Wikibooks enwikibooks https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Main_Page MediaWiki 1.47.0-wmf.10 first-letter Media Special Talk User User talk Wikibooks Wikibooks talk File File talk MediaWiki MediaWiki talk Template Template talk Help Help talk Category Category talk Cookbook Cookbook talk Transwiki Transwiki talk Wikijunior Wikijunior talk Subject Subject talk TimedText TimedText talk Module Module talk Event Event talk Wikibooks:Reading room 4 280 4653528 4627161 2026-07-10T19:12:02Z Koavf 16549 added [[Category:Wikibooks administration]] using [[Help:Gadget-HotCat|HotCat]] 4653528 wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|WB:RR}} [[Wikibooks:Welcome|Welcome]] to the '''reading room''', the Wikibooks forum consisting of discussion rooms: * This is where [[Help:Glossary#Wikibookian|Wikibookians]] raise and answer Wikibooks-related questions and concerns regarding technical issues, policies, or other aspects of our community. * To start a new discussion, enter one of the discussion rooms listed below. * If you can't find an older discussion, check in the [[/Archives|archive pages]]. 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THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION! **************************************************************************************************************************************** **************************************************************************************************************************************** **************************************************************************************************************************************** **************************************************************************************************************************************** --> [[Category:Wikibooks administration]] r8vy9ak8bsctiokmbnjb8afbqrg3cp7 Wikibooks:Requests for deletion 4 385 4653714 4653481 2026-07-10T23:23:48Z Omphalographer 3427146 /* Earthinators */ new section 4653714 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ [[Category:Wikibooks deletion|{{PAGENAME}}]] {{Discussion Rooms}} {{TOCleft}} {{shortcut|WB:RFD}} {{Requests for deletion/New deletion}} {{Requests for deletion/Deletion intro}} <!-- New deletion nominations go at the bottom of page. --> == [[Salute, Jonathan!]] and its translations == <div style="column-count: 7;"> * [[Salute, Jonathan!|Interlingue/Occidental]] ([[w:en:Occidental|w]], original) * [[Òla, Ionatà!|Audià]] * [[Holo, Jonathan!|Cristianés]] * [[Terve, Jonathan!|Ekumenski]] * [[Hej, Jonathan! (Germanisch)|Germanisch]] * [[Salom, Jonatan!|Globasa]] * [[Àlŏ, Jonathan!|Guosa]] ([[w:en:Guosa|w]]) * [[Salut, Jonathan!|Idiom Neutral]] ([[w:en:Idiom Neutral|w]]) * [[Saluto, Jonathan! (Ido)|Ido]] ([[w:en:Ido|w]]) * [[Hallo, Jonathan!|Interlingua]] ([[w:en:Interlingua|w]]) * [[Salut, Jonathan! (Interocidental)|Interocidental]] * [[Bune Ğonatan!|Lingaust]] * [[Oila, Jonatan!|Lingue Simple]] * [[Haloo, Jonatan!|Lingwa de Planeta]] ([[w:en:Lingwa de Planeta|w]]) * [[Sin Chao, Jonathan!|Masa Tang]] * [[Salut, ionatano!|Meteza]] * [[Salu, Jon!|Mini]] * [[Hay, Jonathan!|Mirad]] * [[Hai, Jon!|Monav]] * [[Sesan Jon!|Monkel]] * [[Salam, Jonathan!|Mundeze]] * [[Dag, Jonathan!|Negerhollands]] ([[w:en:Negerhollands|w]]) * [[Salut Jonathan!|Neo]] ([[w:en:Neo|w]]) * [[Hej, Jonathan!|Nordien]] * [[Saluto, Jonathan!|Novial]] ([[w:en:Novial|w]]) * [[Salute, Jonathan! (Novlingue)|Novlingue]] * [[Alo, Jonathan!|Numo]] * [[Hela, Jonathan!|Proyo]] * [[Salute, Jonathan! (Romanica)|Romanica]] ([[w:en:Romanica|w]]) * [[Simi, Jonathan!|Solresol]] ([[w:en:Solresol|w]]) * [[Toki a, jan Jonatan!|Toki Pona]] ([[w:en:Toki Pona|w]]) * [[Glidis, o Jonathan!|Volapük]] ([[w:en:Volapük|w]]) </div> There are a couple of issues here: # Beyond their introductions, all of these books are written in languages which are not English, making them out of scope for the English Wikibooks. # All but one of these books are in fact written in constructed languages, most of them in recently created conlangs. In some cases (e.g. [[Sin Chao, Jonathan!]]), I can't find any reliable sources describing the target language outside of the translation itself. # Most of the translations (i.e. other than [[Salute, Jonathan!]] itself) were abandoned within the first five or so chapters (out of 100); none of them are complete, and there seems to be little effort to complete any of them. While I recognize that this is an unusual project, and potentially one which could have some value, it's not at all clear to me that the English Wikibooks is the right place for it. — [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 00:24, 29 September 2024 (UTC) : I'm really not sure what to do about these ones. While I recognize that this approach is certainly one method of teaching a language, I'm not sure that it constitutes an educational textbook. We do require that the English Wikibooks be written in English—for language-learning books, this typically means that the instructional parts are in English while the exercises are in the language being taught. I do think that if the language doesn't have much supporting evidence outside the book itself, it can safely be deleted. — [[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:01, 29 September 2024 (UTC) : Author of the book here. I originally wanted to put it in the Interlingue Wikibooks https://ie.wikibooks.org/wiki/Principal_p%C3%A1gine but it somehow got locked when I wasn't paying attention and so I ended up putting it here. Getting it unlocked requires going through the process of starting an Incubator and all the rest so I opted for here and then started putting some English-only content once it was done. It's sort of in the same vein as books like Lingua Latina per se Illustrata that have separate versions with teacher notes and whatnot. [[Salute, Jonathan!/Capitul 1 - with notes]] After it was done the auxlang community really took to it which was a nice surprise. I think Ido has the largest number of chapters at the moment at 15. :If the vast content of this book could be used to justify a quick reopening of the Interlingue Wikibooks to move it there, I'd love to do that. I imagine that an incubator with 100+ book chapters would be enough to open a Wikibooks and that's what this is. — [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 06:02, 29 September 2024 (UTC) : Ah, I just realized that we do have a proposal to reopen the Interlingue Wikibooks: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Requests_for_new_languages/Wikibooks_Interlingue along with an Incubator page here. https://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wb/ie/Principal_p%C3%A1gine : How easy would it be to migrate the entirety of Salute Jonathan to there? — [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 06:30, 29 September 2024 (UTC) :: Hi @[[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]]! I'm not sure how incubator projects work, but I fully support migrating these books there. You may want to inquire over there and link to this discussion to support your request to move the content over there. Cheers! — [[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 13:16, 29 September 2024 (UTC) ::: Hi! Actually I have a third idea to propose after thinking about this again today (haven't been here much since I finished the book): I noticed that there is more English content than I remember and that might make it an awkward fit for the Interlingue Wikibooks. I definitely agree that having all the auxlang translations for new auxlang projects goes well beyond the scope of this Wikibooks. Finally, there are some auxlangs that are notable with their own Wikipedias. ::: So the idea is the following: :::# Leave the original here and I can continue the work on the version with English notes and grammar. That will make it the same as Lingua Latina per se Illustrata, English by the Nature Method, Athenaze and all the rest. :::# The Interlingua one can move to the Interlingua Wikibooks (maybe Romanica too if they want as it is sort of a dialect of Interlingua). :::# For Ido and Lingua Franca Nova which have a Wikipedia but not a Wikibooks, I'm a little bit unsure...technically they could have their own version like the original one but would require English explanations. I could let them know and see if they are willing to do so and see what they think (work on adding English to the books vs. move the content elsewhere). :::# The rest can move to a Github repo, then be deleted, and the front page of this book can have a single link to the repo. ::: Any thoughts on that? Adding the extra English content will be easy as it is my book and I know it inside and out. ::: Edit: [https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Salute,_Jonathan!/Grammar_(pronouns) this page] I just added. — [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 13:50, 29 September 2024 (UTC) :::: Thanks for taking the time to consider this! Here are my responses/questions: ::::* Is the original [[Salute, Jonathan!]] (Occidental)? Since that one is quite fleshed out, I agree that if you edit it so the primary language of the book (e.g. headers, instructions, etc) are written in English while leaving the actual story in Occidental, it would be okay and fit in more with instructional language textbooks. ::::* For your points 2 and 3, I'm not sure how those other projects work, so I'll leave it up to them. I'm not quite sure why they would need to move, since in theory they could be revised with English as the language of instruction? Although, they have been left incomplete for a long time. ::::* For your point 4, I have no problem with that. Cheers! — [[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 16:51, 29 September 2024 (UTC) ::::: Hello again, it's the weekend so I have a bit more time to work on this. I've decided to merge the extra content from the following five chapters since the difference is fairly small and the original chapters should now have this English content. Could you delete these five pages now that they are no longer needed? [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 14:02, 5 October 2024 (UTC) ::::: [[Salute, Jonathan!/Capitul 1 - with notes]] ::::: [[Salute, Jonathan!/Capitul 2 - with notes]] ::::: [[Salute, Jonathan!/Capitul 3 - with notes]] ::::: [[Salute, Jonathan!/Capitul 4 - with notes]] ::::: [[Salute, Jonathan!/Capitul 5 - with notes]] [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 14:02, 5 October 2024 (UTC) :::::: [[File:Yes_check.svg|{{#ifeq:|small|8|15}}px|link=|alt=]] {{#ifeq:|small|<small>|}}'''Done'''{{#ifeq:|small|</small>|}} — [[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 23:34, 5 October 2024 (UTC) ::::::: Hi again! No luck trying to find a home for the random language translations on other auxlang wikis, can't find one that is actively maintained. ::::::: The thought struck me that maybe I could just put those ones on a sub page of my user page, would that be permitted? If not, I think I'll just stick them somewhere in GitHub and call it a day since none of the people who started the translations seem to care enough to do anything about them. I'd rather not see them outright disappear but since they aren't mine I don't care enough about them to do much more work than copy and paste them somewhere. ::::::: (I would leave the ones in languages with an ISO-639 code and Wikipedia here, of course) — [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 14:13, 9 November 2024 (UTC) :::::::: Thank you for checking! I don't personally see an issue with moving them to your user space right now. Cheers — [[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 17:21, 9 November 2024 (UTC) ::::::::: Thanks a lot! I've started a single page where I will put them all here [[User:Mithridates/SJ]] and will proceed slowly due to lack of time and also to avoid stepping on any toes / asking you to delete too much at a time and possibly deleting the wrong content. ::::::::: For this week I have put the content for the languages Audia, Cristianès, Guosa, Lingaust, Mini, Mirad, and Monav on that page as they all have a single page of content and didn't take much time to move. Please delete those. Once they are gone I will add a note on the main page letting people know where they have gone (in addition to a thank you for their interest in the book! I do love how many people have recognized it as a good source material for teaching a language). — [[User:Mithridates|Mithridates]] ([[User talk:Mithridates|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Mithridates|contribs]]) 04:09, 10 November 2024 (UTC) : {{keep}} the translations for languages that have an article on the English Wikipedia, i.e. Guosa, Idiom Neutral, Ido, Interlingua, Lingwa de Planeta, Negerhollands, Neo, Novial, Occidental, Romanica, Solresol, Toki Pona, and Volapük. : Translations for languages that don't have an article can be kept if they have reliable sources, which I was able to find for the following languages (if you think they are not reliable, please let me know): :* Globasa: [https://www.languagesandnumbers.com/how-to-count-in-globasa/en/globasa/] [https://greyson.conlang.org/2020/01/29/shouting-out-globasa-and-pandunia/] :* Mini: [https://jprogr.github.io/mini] [https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/mini.htm] [https://www.languagesandnumbers.com/how-to-count-in-mini/en/mini/] : {{del}} and move to [[User:Mithridates/SJ]] the rest of the translations, i.e. Audià/Audian, Cristianés, Ekumenski, Germanisch, Interocidental, Lingaust, Lingue Simple, Masa Tang, Mirad, Monav, Monkel, Mundeze, Nordien, Novlingue, Numo, Proyo, and Scuian/Meteza. If you can find reliable sources for those languages, please let me know. : In particular, I could not find resources for Audià/Audian and Monav after searching through 15 and 17 pages on Google, respectively. It doesn't help that [[Òla, Ionatà!|their]] [[Hai, Jon!|translations]] don't explain what those languages are and where to find resources for them. This makes contributing to those translations almost impossible until @[[User:Caro de Segeda|Caro de Segeda]] can provide resources to us. It's possible that the resources may have disappared from the Internet, or that those languages were created by Caro de Segeda him/herself. If you can find resources for Audià/Audian and Monav, please let me know. : I'm notifying the primary contributors of the translations: @[[User:Caro de Segeda|Caro de Segeda]], @[[User:Frzzl|Frzzl]], @[[User:Greatscotteh|Greatscotteh]], @[[User:IHateNumbers234|IHateNumbers234]], @[[User:Jayeless2|Jayeless2]], @[[User:Morozof|Morozof]], @[[User:Omnihom|Omnihom]], @[[User:Omoutuazn|Omoutuazn]], @[[User:PovriNaivon|PovriNaivon]], @[[User:Sir Beluga|Sir Beluga]] and @[[User:Tyoyafud|Tyoyafud]]. — [[User:EJPPhilippines|EJPPhilippines]] ([[User talk:EJPPhilippines|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EJPPhilippines|contribs]]) 09:52, 30 June 2025 (UTC) :: Caro de Segeda said on [https://www.reddit.com/r/conlangs/comments/1lcnz9g/comment/n0sc3wx/ Reddit] that Monav was created by him/her and that he/she didn't publish any resources about it other than [[Hai, Jon!]]. With '''zero''' other resources to rely on for contributing to the translation, and the fact that Monav is in [[User:Mithridates/SJ]], [[Hai, Jon!]] should be speedy deleted. — [[User:EJPPhilippines|EJPPhilippines]] ([[User talk:EJPPhilippines|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EJPPhilippines|contribs]]) 01:38, 3 July 2025 (UTC) ::: I've undone the speedy deletion as Caro de Segeda posted a [https://prexins.wordpress.com/2025/07/04/monav/ resource] for Monav. — [[User:EJPPhilippines|EJPPhilippines]] ([[User talk:EJPPhilippines|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EJPPhilippines|contribs]]) 07:18, 4 July 2025 (UTC) :::: You can delete all the ones that I have created myself, I have already moved them to other places. — [[User:Caro de Segeda|Caro de Segeda]] ([[User talk:Caro de Segeda|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Caro de Segeda|contribs]]) 12:39, 5 July 2025 (UTC) {{outdent|::::}}I don't know if this is helpful since it wouldn't apply to most of these, but [[s:mul:]] could hold some of these. — [[User:Arlo Barnes|Arlo Barnes]] ([[User talk:Arlo Barnes|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Arlo Barnes|contribs]]) 09:18, 30 November 2025 (UTC) : I don't think that would be within the scope of that project. I'm not aware of any other situation where Wikisource publishes translations of texts created on Wikimedia projects - that's usually left up to other language editions of the same project. — [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 05:34, 1 December 2025 (UTC) :: In this situation there isn't a separate [[s:ie:]] distinct from Multilingual Wikisource (see [[meta:Wikisource#List of Wikisources]]). In fact, there are very few multilingual wikis in the Wikimedia sphere; while this project ''could'' move to a Miraheze-hosted or similar wiki farm location, I think it would be a missed opportunity. I suppose an [[Interlingue]] book could be started in [[shelf:Constructed languages]] which would have all 100 chapters as an appendix (and likewise for the other languages), but that also seems non-ideal since it requires an English-language text that doesn't currently exist to be created. [[WB:AT]] seems to describe a similar situation to this one and prescribe Wikisource as the solution, and [[WB:SOURCE]] mentions fiction as out-of-scope for Wikibooks (even as in this case, language-educational fiction). [[s:mul:Wikisource:about Wikisource]] simply speaks of source texts and doesn't mention publication requirements, so maybe that is specific to some of the monolingual editions? — [[User:Arlo Barnes|Arlo Barnes]] ([[User talk:Arlo Barnes|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Arlo Barnes|contribs]]) 22:28, 5 December 2025 (UTC) :{{keep}} 100% keep. These books are a core part of language textbooks on Wikibooks and have been for years. Not sure why this is even being debated.--[[User:Xania|Xania]] [[Image:Flag_of_Estonia.svg|15px]] [[Image:Flag_of_Ukraine.svg|15px]] [[User talk:Xania|<sup>talk</sup>]] 17:55, 16 May 2026 (UTC) ::With all due respect, some of the books included in this nomination (like [[Sin Chao, Jonathan!]]) are written in constructed languages which are not substantially attested anywhere else. I struggle to imagine any educational purpose for such a book. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 00:12, 17 May 2026 (UTC) == [[International Baccalaureate]] == Not actually a book in and of itself; rather, it is just a compilation of links to other books —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 23:24, 18 October 2024 (UTC) : Could this be salvaged as a shelf? [[User:Pppery|Pppery]] ([[User talk:Pppery|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Pppery|contribs]]) 05:23, 27 January 2025 (UTC) ::Probably, but are the linked books even useful? IB exams change from year to year - sometimes quite dramatically - so an old exam guide is of very limited value. Many of these books were written 10-15 years ago, and some of them (like [[IB French]]) even have comments indicating that they're no longer applicable. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 02:18, 8 December 2025 (UTC) == [[Character List for Baxter&Sagart]] == Seems completely out of scope as an educational book; it's just a list of characters and outlinks —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 23:53, 18 October 2024 (UTC) :Adding [[Character List for Karlgren's GSR]] and [[Character List for Schuessler's CGSR]] for the same reason —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 23:55, 18 October 2024 (UTC) :These three books do make a package and I agree they should be considered together. However, I strongly object to deleting them. They are really extremely useful resources. I use them every week and I know that many people who do work on Old Chinese phonology do so. There are lots of books out there that are lists of characters, these are called dictionaries. For example Axel Schuessler's ABC Etymological Dictionary of Old Chinese, or Pulleyblank's Lexicon of Reconstructed Pronunciation in Early Middle Chinese, Late Middle Chinese, and Early Mandarin. I see it as entirely a good thing for reference works of this kind to be available free online rather than only in expensive books in university research libraries. If this is in violation of a Wikibooks policy, I would at least like that policy to be drawn to my attention and to have some constructive comment offered about which Wikiproject such a resource should fall under. I will also say on a personal note that I have put literally hundreds of hours of work into these projects and it would grieve me a lot to see this work simply vanish, in particular when I know that colleagues around the world use these books. --[[User:Tibetologist|Tibetologist]] ([[User talk:Tibetologist|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tibetologist|contribs]]) 07:27, 1 November 2024 (UTC) ::Hi @[[User:Tibetologist|Tibetologist]], and thank you for the feedback! Official Wikibooks policy does not permit standalone dictionaries (see [[WB:DICT]]), though I understand the argument that it is a useful resource. I am wondering if there might be a home for it at [[Wiktionary:Wiktionary:Welcome, newcomers|Wiktionary]] or [[Wikiversity:Wikiversity:SHARE|Wikiversity]]? Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 12:14, 1 November 2024 (UTC) :::The policy says to use Wiktionary, but these books cannot be moved there. In fact they link there, you can understand me as having made an index to wiktionary, if you like, where the ORDER of the characters is extremely important, information that would be lost in Wiktionary. :::Wikiversity is not a project I participate in, and in any event my books here are older than it, so this option was not available for me at the relevant moment. If you are offering to move my books to Wikiversity, that is very kind of you and I will very graciously accept. [[User:Tibetologist|Tibetologist]] ([[User talk:Tibetologist|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Tibetologist|contribs]]) 14:10, 1 November 2024 (UTC) ::::I have pinged over at Wikiversity Colloquium to ask about suitability and have looped you into the conversation over there. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:20, 1 November 2024 (UTC) ::I concur. I'm just an undergrad who tries to learn about Sino-Tibetan historical linguistics in his free time but I've found this wikibook to be incredibly useful, and I keep it open in one tab while I watch Professor Nathan Hill's lectures that he uploads to youtube in another tab, and another tab for taking notes. In fact if I remember correctly Professor Hill actually pointed his students to this wikibook. ::I'm not familiar with [[wikiversity:Wikiversity:SHARE|Wikiversity]] but if all the content were as accessible there as it is here then I think that could work. [[User:ChromeBones|ChromeBones]] ([[User talk:ChromeBones|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/ChromeBones|contribs]]) 02:43, 9 July 2025 (UTC) :Per [[:v:Wikiversity:Colloquium#Import_Resource_From_Wikibooks?]], I recommend copying and pasting, including attribution via the edit summary and talk page, add appropriate categories and links, and then it could be deleted locally. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 22:32, 3 November 2024 (UTC) == [[Suomen kieli käyttöön]] == Multiple pages in this book are written entirely in Finnish, which is out of the enWB scope. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 00:09, 19 October 2024 (UTC) :I was going to say whether we should ask any fiwikibooks sysop to maybe see if this could be transwikied to fiwb if it's within the scope there. But [[:fi:Toiminnot:Käyttäjät/sysop]] indicates that there are only 3 sysops, and only {{u|Anr}} and {{u|Zache}} have made edits this ''year''. If they deem it to be salvageable, then transwiki + delete, otherwise straight-up delete. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 11:24, 14 November 2024 (UTC) ::It seems that the idea behind the book was for the pages to be bilingual, as it’s a language learning book. That’s why there are Finnish texts included intentionally even on the pages that are complete. There are similar books in dewikibooks and ruwikibooks as well. For the English version, I think the easiest way to proceed would be to clean up and adjust the page layout to fit enwikibooks better, and then translate the missing parts. By the way, if anyone wants to update the book’s name in English, it can be titled ''"Using the Finnish Language"'' or ''"Put Finnish Language into Use"'' for a direct translation. [[User:Zache|Zache]] ([[User talk:Zache|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Zache|contribs]]) 11:57, 14 November 2024 (UTC) == [[AT&T Mobility FAQ]] == * [[AT&T Mobility FAQ]] * [[AT&T Mobility FAQ/MEdia Net Configuration]] * [[AT&T Mobility FAQ/Data Connect Configuration]] An ''extremely'' outdated FAQ on AT&T's cell phone services. Most of this document was written 20+ years ago as a Usenet FAQ; very little of it is accurate or useful anymore (particularly the two subpages, which have to do with obsolete configurations for "tethering" a computer to a cell phone). No objection if someone wants to update it, but there's clearly been no appetite to do that. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 22:20, 30 December 2024 (UTC) :I'm wondering if it might make sense for us to develop some kind of policy on archiving books here. There are many like this one that have a good deal of content but are extremely out of date and just not useful as originally intended. ——[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 22:34, 30 December 2024 (UTC) ::@[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]]: See the newly developed [[Wikibooks:Outdated books]]. [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 00:16, 31 December 2024 (UTC) :::Ooh, thanks - something like that seems like it could be an appropriate way to handle this book. A lot of the other outdated books I've tagged have been so incomplete that they wouldn't have been particularly useful even as historical references; this one might at least have some interest. :::Any chance we can get a separate namespace (maybe "Archive:") set up for archived book content? That'd make it possible to do things like exclude them from on-site search by default. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 21:07, 31 December 2024 (UTC) ::::I think this might be a more extended discussion, so I'll bump it over to the [[Wikibooks talk:Outdated books|talk page of the draft policy]]! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 21:54, 31 December 2024 (UTC) == Algebra/Chapter 10/Symmetric Polynomials == I personally believe that [[Algebra/Chapter 10/Symmetric Polynomials|this]], and all of the sections should be deleted for the fact that this goes WAY beyond the scope of what was intended for the Chapter (Algebra II level polynomials). [[User:GoreyCat|GoreyCat]] ([[User talk:GoreyCat|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/GoreyCat|contribs]]) 15:07, 6 February 2025 (UTC) :'''Split''': Deletion here is not the best solution (see [[w:WP:ATD]]). Instead, this page and its subpages should be moved to another book, most likely [[Abstract Algebra]]. [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 17:35, 6 February 2025 (UTC) :{{keep}} since there is a good amount of content. If [[Abstract Algebra]] is appropriate, it seems like a fine idea to move there. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 22:59, 7 February 2025 (UTC) ::Eh, yeah, I supposed moving it is better. I just don't think it's suitable for where it appears. [[User:GoreyCat|GoreyCat]] ([[User talk:GoreyCat|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/GoreyCat|contribs]]) 01:40, 8 February 2025 (UTC) == [[Puredyne]] == Development of Puredyne Linux was discontinued in 2012, and the software no longer appears to be available for download anywhere. (An archive of the web site is still up - with a bunch of embedded spam links - but the download links are all dead.) Is this a suitable candidate for archival (cf. [[Wikibooks:Outdated books]]), or should it just be deleted? [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 04:35, 5 March 2025 (UTC) :I'd just archive stuff like this. Looks like a decent bit of work went into it, and you never know when someone might need to use Puredyne for some obscure project. I'd be willing to bet mirrors exist of it somewhere, or someone has it on a drive. If you want to find some stuff worth deleting, comb through [[:Category:Allbooks categories]]. [[User:MediaKyle|MediaKyle]] ([[User talk:MediaKyle|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MediaKyle|contribs]]) 11:30, 5 March 2025 (UTC) == [[Template:Qr-twwp]] == This isn't exactly a request to delete the template, but rather to merge it with {{tlx|Copypaste}}. The {{tlx|Qr-twwp}} template serves the same purpose as {{tlx|Copypaste}}, but without the seven-day period after which the page is deleted. This leads to confusion, as well as a perpetually full [[:Category:Queried pages]]. [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 17:37, 30 March 2025 (UTC) == [[Ghouls of the Miskatonic]] == I don't think that a plot summary of a book is in-scope here. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:43, 20 August 2025 (UTC) :{{vd}} - at least, not a summary of ''this'' book. A summary and/or study guide to a notable work of literature might be in scope, but this is certainly not one. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 21:23, 25 August 2025 (UTC) ::Hi. I am the creator of the pages of this book. If I understand correctly, it has to be a summary of a notable work of literature? So what exactly is defined as such? I only started this as I thought it would be fun, interesting and encouraging to others who read the Arkham Horror novels, and I thought it was permitted as I've seen other summaries of books on wikibooks. [[User:Dayne90|Dayne90]] ([[User talk:Dayne90|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dayne90|contribs]]) 13:27, 26 August 2025 (UTC) :::Your problem is it is just the plot... it needs to include an educational textual analysis to be in scope [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 12:47, 28 August 2025 (UTC) ::::And ideally it'd be a text which has ''already'' been the subject of literary analysis, such that the analysis on Wikibooks isn't original research. A notable work of literature like ''Frankenstein'' or ''Moby-Dick'' would easily meet that requirement; a tie-in novel for a tabletop RPG probably does not. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 22:08, 29 August 2025 (UTC) == [[Template:Deleted page]] == {{closed|'''Deleted''' per consensus & reasoning. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 11:49, 10 July 2026 (UTC)}} Per [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Proposals#Retiring Template:Deleted page]], this is because the template is unnecessary given that creation protection (salting) is used instead. I am also proposing the deletion of the following categories used by this template: * [[:Category:Protected deleted categories]] * [[:Category:Protected deleted pages]] Thanks. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:36, 29 January 2026 (UTC) :This seems premature - [[:Category:Protected deleted pages]] is still in use for pages with generic names. Is there a plan to transition those pages to create protection; if so, can that be implemented before deleting the templates/categories? [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 02:28, 30 January 2026 (UTC) ::JJPMaster proposed that the pages listed in that category should be moved to the [[MediaWiki:Titleblacklist|title blacklist]], and that {{tlx|naming policy notice}} shall be fully protected and used as an interface (title blacklist) message. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 03:18, 30 January 2026 (UTC) :::@[[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]]: Have you seen this reply? [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 15:28, 11 February 2026 (UTC) ::::I have, but I'm not sure I follow. These templates, and the categories which they populate, are currently in use. Once that's no longer the case, I have no objection to deleting them - but they need to be delinked first. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 00:20, 12 February 2026 (UTC) :::::I deleted the categories mentioned above, moved all the generic titles to the title blacklist, and for those pages that used {{tlx|Deleted page}}, I deleted then applied creation protection. An uninvolved admin can delete {{tlx|Deleted page}} and then close this request. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 02:39, 30 March 2026 (UTC) : Would an uninvolved admin delete the template and close this request? Pinging @[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]]. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:39, 10 July 2026 (UTC) {{end closed}} == [[History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Publications/Wireless Weekly/Issues/1928 03 23]] == {{closed|No consensus to delete —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 02:08, 10 July 2026 (UTC)}} Transcribed from a magazine copy that cannot be traced via the URL provided. Generally archival of primary source works is undertaken on Wikisource (not Wikibooks), backed by a suitable page scan. This isn't at present. [[User:ShakespeareFan00|ShakespeareFan00]] ([[User talk:ShakespeareFan00|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/ShakespeareFan00|contribs]]) 16:32, 27 April 2026 (UTC) :This doesn't need an RfD since it is obviously out of scope. You can instead put a CSD tag on the page. Additionally, it seems that the entire /Publications section contains only source works here, so it might require a mass deletion. [[User:kingofnuthin|<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: lime">kingofnuthin</span>]] ([[User talk:kingofnuthin|<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: teal">talk</span>]]) 17:32, 27 April 2026 (UTC) ::@[[User:Samuel.dellit|Samuel.dellit]] looping you in here so you're aware. I don't think any pages like this (i.e. source text) can be kept here, since we are explicitly and unambiguously not a text repository per [[WB:SOURCE]]. I am inclined to speedily delete for that reason, but I want to hear from the primary editor. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:40, 27 April 2026 (UTC) :::Thanks for looping me in. :::This is not simply a transcription of the magazine. :::It includes new formatting to make the content better reachable. :::It includes commentary to place the transcribed material in context. :::It permits related material to be placed in chronological order. :::The version here is not complete (as per banner included), hence the URL link not working (National Library of Australia's Trove has been updated). :::There is no point in placing this material on Wikisource as the Trove website is functionally similar and now provides for text correction (a fairly recent development). :::I have not be editing Wikibooks for the last six month's following a personal matter but now slowly returning to the task. :::[[User:Samuel.dellit|Samuel.dellit]] ([[User talk:Samuel.dellit|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Samuel.dellit|contribs]]) 19:08, 27 April 2026 (UTC) ::::I'm still not sure whether this makes it in-scope at Wikibooks and suitable for the book-like scope of this work, so I'm looping in other admins to weigh in on scope and consensus @[[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] @[[User:JJPMaster|JJPMaster]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]]. For material that is planned but not yet enacted after a significant period, I'm wondering if user space is more suitable than main space. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:48, 3 May 2026 (UTC) :::::This is just one page of a book, right? It's not like the entire wikibook is a transcription. I'm inclined to keep it unless there is something I am missing. "For material that is planned but not yet enacted after a significant period" - that's a draft and can generally stay in article space. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 05:09, 4 May 2026 (UTC) ::::::My thoughts are similar to Leaderboard's. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 05:47, 4 May 2026 (UTC) ::::::@[[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] Thank you, and good to know. Unless I am misunderstanding, the plan is actually to host many source texts in this book's namespace (see other subpages in [[History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Publications]]) and not limited to this one page. Additionally, do we have anything in policy regarding how long drafts can stay in mainspace? I couldn't find anything, and it strikes me as unconstructive to the project if pages with significant issues (e.g. scope, quality, etc) are left in the mainspace for months to years. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 4 May 2026 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] Thank you for your considered responses, the following is provided as background summary. :::::::(1) I should mention that all of these pages were speedily deleted six months ago on the basis of breach of copyright, despite the fact that they are in the public domain (yes I was remiss in not making this clear in the relevant discussion pages, and yes I was aware of the need for copyright explanation, but was overly focussed on content creation). I was hit by about 20 simultaneous speedily delete notifications, responded to 2 or 3 thinking that would be sufficient, but later found they had all been deleted (I was not active on Wikibooks at the time). My intention is to provide clear public domain information for each page in the coming months, but I am only one person and need time to give effect. Copyright worldwide is quite complex. :::::::(2) I was hit by this RfD about 2 weeks ago, nominally a single subpage, but with the threat of dozens of subpages being similarly treated. This time the basis of the RfD was breach of the "Not a text repository" policy, of which I was not previously aware. I see in the policy that there is a clear exception for annotated texts and I will further develop content in support of that exception (you will see that is my general practice in any event). There are literally hundreds of articles in this Wikibook already heavily annotated, simply on the basis of good authorship e.g. :::::::https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/History_of_wireless_telegraphy_and_broadcasting_in_Australia/Topical/Biographies/Clement_Edgar_Ames/Notes :::::::https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/History_of_wireless_telegraphy_and_broadcasting_in_Australia/Topical/Stations/7BU_Burnie/Notes :::::::But, again, I am only one person and need time to give effect. [[User:Samuel.dellit|Samuel.dellit]] ([[User talk:Samuel.dellit|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Samuel.dellit|contribs]]) 19:59, 4 May 2026 (UTC) :::::::@[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] As far as I can see, isn't the goal to annotate most of those pages? And there is no set limit for a draft. The main reason we'd delete a draft is if the book ''itself'' has nothing of value, which is not the case here. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 04:49, 5 May 2026 (UTC) ::::::::Got it, thank you! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 00:06, 6 May 2026 (UTC) : As an admin who was involved in deleting this (and related subpages) and ''only'' undeleting it later per the author's request, I therefore '''recuse''' (will not do) on taking any administrative actions for this request. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 17:33, 27 April 2026 (UTC) :{{vd}} - including other similar pages - per nom. Transcriptions of previously published works, like these magazines, belong on Wikisource. I don't see any evidence of substantial commentary in any of the pages I've looked at. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 17:47, 28 April 2026 (UTC) ::Additionally, I'd note that creating content like [[History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Editing/Fair dealing]] or [[History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Editing/Not a text repository]] is not helpful. This sort of argumentative content clearly does not belong in a book. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 02:14, 9 May 2026 (UTC) :{{keep}} - including other similar pages - annotated texts WB:AT are a clear exception to Wikibooks "Not a text repository" policy; these are subpages of a very large body of work (I understand the largest Wikibook in Wikibooks) and integral to its overall development; yes, the pages are a work in progress and the annotations are as yet limited, but I will now prioritise their development[[User:Samuel.dellit|Samuel.dellit]] ([[User talk:Samuel.dellit|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Samuel.dellit|contribs]]) 19:28, 3 May 2026 (UTC) :{{keep}}. Annotated texts are an exception and while there can be a debate about how much annotation is enough, at the moment I think we should accept the primary editor's position in respect of their intent. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 13:58, 5 May 2026 (UTC) : {{keep}} per above. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:07, 19 May 2026 (UTC) : @[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] Please consider closing this RFD discussion. This was running for more than one month (I believe) and as I can tell there is probably no consensus to delete. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:30, 10 July 2026 (UTC) {{end closed}} == [[History Books]] == Minimal existing content is editorialized, book scope unclear, no sourcing —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:47, 27 April 2026 (UTC) :{{comment}} - there is one unlinked subpage of this book, [[History Books/Who Was Alexander the Great/Introduction]]. I'm not impressed by the content (it's basically historical fiction written for a young child), but it's not hopeless. I'd encourage the author to create an account to allow us to communicate with them. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 18:34, 28 April 2026 (UTC) ::If it is really aimed at children, shouldn't it be moved to the Wikijunior: namespace? [[User:kingofnuthin|<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: lime">kingofnuthin</span>]] ([[User talk:kingofnuthin|<span style="font-family: Georgia; color: teal">talk</span>]]) 18:55, 28 April 2026 (UTC) : @[[User:Kingofnuthin|Kingofnuthin]] and @[[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]]: I am unsure whethere there is consensus to either keep or move–I am not seeing any bolded votes, and there is not much participation here. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:34, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == [[Objective Projection: Why the Brain Never Forgets Some Stories]] == Undisclosed AI-generated content. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 02:13, 9 May 2026 (UTC) :<nowiki>'''Keep'''</nowiki> — Comment from page author/subject expert. :I am Levent Bulut, the originator of the <nowiki>''</nowiki>Objective Projection<nowiki>''</nowiki> methodology described in this book (ORCID: 0009-0007-7500-2261, Wikidata: Q138048287). I want to address the AI-generated content concern directly and transparently. :<nowiki>'''</nowiki>On the content itself:<nowiki>'''</nowiki> The methodology, theoretical framework (the six-variable operator E(r) = projS(M, T, V, Δ, Ω, Ng), the Six Golden Rules, the Six-Layer Framework), and all original arguments are my own intellectual work, developed and published independently. This is documented through: :* 26 DOI-registered academic publications on Zenodo (search: "Levent Bulut Objective Projection") :* A peer-reviewed submission currently under review at <nowiki>''</nowiki>Digital Humanities Quarterly<nowiki>''</nowiki> :* Parallel Turkish-language Wikibook and Wikiversity pages on the same methodology :* An open-source SFT dataset on Hugging Face (leventbulut/objective-projection) :<nowiki>'''</nowiki>On AI assistance:<nowiki>'''</nowiki> I used AI tools (Claude) for English translation polish and copy-editing from my Turkish source materials — the same way a non-native English-speaking academic would use a human translator or editor. The <nowiki>''</nowiki>ideas, structure, terminology, citations, and arguments<nowiki>''</nowiki> are entirely my own and pre-date the Wikibooks version, traceable through Zenodo DOI timestamps starting in 2025. :<nowiki>'''</nowiki>Proposed remedy instead of deletion:<nowiki>'''</nowiki> I am happy to: :# Add a clear AI-assistance disclosure to the book's preface, per Wikibooks transparency norms :# Add inline citations to the underlying DOI-registered publications for every major claim :# Link to the parallel Turkish version and academic record :This would address the <nowiki>''</nowiki>undisclosed<nowiki>''</nowiki> part of the concern (which is the actionable policy issue) while preserving content that is original academic work by an identifiable author with a published track record. Deletion of original scholarship because translation assistance was used would set a concerning precedent for non-native English contributors. :<nowiki>I request a few days to add the disclosure and citations before any deletion action. ~~~~</nowiki> [[Special:Contributions/&#126;2026-28847-60|&#126;2026-28847-60]] ([[User talk:&#126;2026-28847-60|talk]]) 18:46, 13 May 2026 (UTC) ::Administrative assistance needed: Automated filters blocking structural improvements and disclosures ::'''Request for Help''' — I am Levent Bulut, the author of this book. I have already provided my AI disclosure and academic credentials (ORCID, DOI list) here in this discussion. ::I am trying to update the book to comply with Wikibooks standards by: ::Adding a formal '''AI assistance disclosure''' at the top of the page. ::Restructuring the content into an '''instructional textbook format''' (adding Learning Objectives). ::Converting plain text formulas into '''LaTeX''' ( format). ::Updating references to include full academic '''DOI''' records. ::However, the automated filter is blocking all my attempts: ::If I try to replace the content with the improved version, it triggers the '''"large amount of content removal"''' filter. ::If I try to add specific academic links, it triggers the '''"automated link/spam"''' filter. ::I am essentially trapped by the filters while trying to improve the book and follow transparency norms. Could an administrator please either whitelist my account or manually apply the improved version of the text? I am ready to provide the full MediaWiki code here if requested. My intent is purely constructive and academic. [[Special:Contributions/&#126;2026-28847-60|&#126;2026-28847-60]] ([[User talk:&#126;2026-28847-60|talk]]) 19:15, 13 May 2026 (UTC) ::: Hi, @[[User:~2026-28847-60|~2026-28847-60]]. Your account was incorrectly locked by a steward. It is now currently unlocked. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 17:44, 15 May 2026 (UTC) :::: Pinging @[[User:Projection Architect|Projection Architect]], who was previously LeventBulut. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:51, 4 July 2026 (UTC) ::Please review [[Wikibooks:Artificial intelligence]]. It states unequivocally that {{tq|LLMs may not be used to generate or summarize material and ideas at Wikibooks}}, and that {{tq|translations made by LLMs are not allowed on Wikibooks}}. The fact that you did not disclose your usage of AI is part of the problem, but disclosing it does not make it allowable either. ::More broadly, based on what you've said above, the content of this book is a reflection of your personal theories on writing. This is essentially [[Wikibooks:Original research]] and is not permitted. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 22:36, 13 May 2026 (UTC) == [[Guide to Tor hidden services and elements of the Tor network]] == This book was created in 2014 with some odd history, but never really progressed beyond a preface and [[Guide to Tor hidden services and elements of the Tor network/Chapter 3: Darknet markets in theory and practice|a single subpage]]. As a result of [https://blog.torproject.org/v2-deprecation-timeline/ changes to the Tor network] made in 2020-2021, all of the .onion links in this book are dead; there's nothing usable left here. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 08:54, 4 July 2026 (UTC) == [[Earthinators]] == While no content has been added yet, the introduction and table of contents of this book suggest that it's intended to act as a position statement or manifesto for the group, not an educational text. This content would probably be more appropriate on the group's own wiki, not on Wikibooks. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 23:23, 10 July 2026 (UTC) kfxrniz8dadnwapt3y47d2wp7g59frp Wikibooks:Requests for permissions 4 840 4653520 4653394 2026-07-10T19:04:34Z Koavf 16549 4653520 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{Requests for permissions/Archives}} {{shortcut|WB:RFP|WB:PERM}} [[Category:Wikibooks administration|{{PAGENAME}}]] All [[Wikibooks:User rights|rights]] available on Wikibooks are handled here, including [[Wikibooks:Autoreviewed users|autoreview]], [[Wikibooks:Reviewers|reviewer]], [[Wikibooks:Importers|importer]], [[Wikibooks:Import uploaders|import uploader]], [[Wikibooks:Uploaders|uploader]], [[Wikibooks:Temporary account IP viewer|temporary account IP viewer]], [[Wikibooks:Administrators|administrator]], [[Wikibooks:Interface administrators|interface administrator]], [[Wikibooks:Administrators|bureaucrat]], [[m:CheckUser|CheckUser]], [[Wikibooks:Pseudo-bots|pseudo-bot]], and [[Wikibooks:Bots|bot]] flags. A nomination must demonstrate how the project will benefit from granting the rights. ;Nominations :To nominate a user (including yourself), add their username to the appropriate section below. Please explain why you feel the nominated user would be a good choice. All registered Wikibookians may comment, and provide arguments in support or opposition. For the bot flag, technical information about the bot may be requested. See the specific requirements for each type of access on their respective pages. Please do not nominate other users unless they have already agreed to be nominated. ;Outcome :Consensus does not need to be demonstrated &mdash;though discussion is welcome&mdash; in granting autoreview, reviewer, importer, and uploader flags. Administrators may use their best judgement in granting those. Interface admin was historically part of the administrator tool set and is granted on request to administrators. All other tools require community consensus and can only be granted by bureaucrats. Access to CheckUser is governed by [[meta:CheckUser policy|CheckUser policy]]. After about one week, if there is consensus to grant access, then a [[Special:ListUsers/bureaucrat|bureaucrat]] (or steward if there are no bureaucrats) will make it so and record the fact here. If not, the bureaucrat or steward may refuse to grant the rights and the request will remain until a consensus is reached. The importer and import uploader permissions require a 5-day discussion before the right(s) can be granted. ;Note(s) :This project allows [[Wikibooks:Global rights policy#Global bots|global bots]], but otherwise does ''not'' allow automatic approval, nor does it utilize the [[:m:Bot policy|standard bot policy]]. = Removal of permissions= {{mbox | image = [[File:Symbol comment vote.svg|40px]] | text = '''Note:''' You may request removal of ''your own'' rights at [[meta:Steward requests/Permissions]]. Requests to remove others' rights should be placed here, whether due to inactivity, or abuse. Proposals for the removal of advanced permissions (included admin and bureaucrat rights) are governed by the [[WB:ADMIN]] policy. A minimum discussion of two weeks is required to remove an admin or bureaucrat for inactivity. }} = Requests for permissions = {{mbox | image = [[File:Symbol comment vote.svg|40px]] | text = '''Note:''' When adding nominations, please use the format <code>=={{tlx|usercheck|Username}} (Right requested)==</code> followed by the nomination. }} =={{usercheck|Koavf}} (nomination for administrator)== I would like to nominate Koavf for adminship. He is a seasoned and experienced user who holds admin rights (also interface administrator and bureaucrat) on multiple projects, including but not limiting to English Wikiquote, English Wikiversity, and more. If Koavf is granted the admin tools, he would be able to help with maintenance on this project, including but not limited to handling edit requests, deleting pages under speedy deletion criteria, blocking vandals and spammers, etc. I also believe that he would probably be able to handle the backlog of [[WB:RFD]], since that area might be suffering from an absence of admins who are willing to tackle that backlog. Even if he has an intermittent pattern of activity here, I still believe that he would be a diligent asset to the admin division, willing to perform and handle these matters. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 17:03, 3 July 2026 (UTC) : @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]]. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:14, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: Thank you for the nomination, I'm honored and accept. CN wrote me an email writing that he would nominate me and I think it is because we have interacted on-wiki on several WMF wikis, but we don't have any real relationship and I didn't coordinate with the proposed nomination. I would also like to say that I would be motivated to continue doing some admin-adjacent tasks that I already do here, like basic maintenance and answering users questions and welcoming, as well as work that I do globally, like fighting vandalism (I am a global rollbacker and frequently get stewarda to globally block vandals). If anyone has questions/concerns, please let me know. I hope that others view me as a potential asset to the admin group and the general en.wb community. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 16:36, 4 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} per the background.--[[User:TunnelESON|TunnelESON]] ([[User talk:TunnelESON|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/TunnelESON|contribs]]) 02:38, 5 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} Sure, no objections. [[User:Jianhui67|<b style="color:#0E0">Jianhui67</b>]]<sup> [[User talk:Jianhui67|<span style="color:#1E90FF">'''talk'''</span>]]<span style="color:red">★</span>[[Special:Contributions/Jianhui67|<span style="color:#1E90FF">'''contribs'''</span>]]</sup> 05:13, 5 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} — [[user:Arlo Barnes|Arlo Barnes]] ([[user talk:Arlo Barnes|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Arlo Barnes|contribs]]) 19:06, 5 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} - <span style="color:#FF0000">[[User:User97104|User]]</span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[User talk:User97104|97104]] </span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[Special:Contributions/User97104|(fixes)]]</span> 12:07, 7 July 2026 (UTC) *{{s}} Seems fine. [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 14:13, 7 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} --[[User:Achim55|Achim55]] ([[User talk:Achim55|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Achim55|contribs]]) 19:38, 7 July 2026 (UTC) * {{support}} Based on my own personal experience with this user to date, I can't see an issue here. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 21:42, 7 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} Yup! --[[User:Xania|Xania]] [[Image:Flag_of_Estonia.svg|15px]] [[Image:Flag_of_Ukraine.svg|15px]] [[User talk:Xania|<sup>talk</sup>]] 05:54, 8 July 2026 (UTC) * {{s}} I've been sporadically active too, hope I am ok to vote here. I know Koavf from other projects and he is a hardworking, very useful editor, also I went over his contributions and he has done quite a lot here including content creation, seems like a good candidate. [[User:Alextejthompson|''Alextejthompson'']] (''Ping me or leave a message on my [[User talk:Alextejthompson|talk page]]'') 18:16, 8 July 2026 (UTC) * {{Support}} I've seen nothing but positive contributions from Justin, especially at en.wikiversity. I think he'd be a solid administrator here. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 11:54, 9 July 2026 (UTC) Thanks, all. I hope that I can be an asset to the community. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:04, 10 July 2026 (UTC) 3tqfx8ksvb4b8t062teyy8cw9at986f C Programming/Simple Input and Output 0 22574 4653902 4599748 2026-07-11T04:03:28Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Simple input]] to [[C programming/Simple input]] 4653902 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Simple input]] 33ees8qhp6n6c6c5i7e1dabnscgesfp Wikibooks:Administrators 4 74896 4653501 4653377 2026-07-10T17:59:49Z Codename Noreste 3441010 /* List of administrators */ + 4653501 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Policy|WB:ADMIN|WB:SYSOP}} {{Branch unstable}} [[File:Wikibooks administrator.png|150px|right]] '''Administrators''', also known as '''admins''' or '''sysops''' (system operators), are Wikibookians who are generally well-known and trusted by the community. Administrators have the added abilities of being able to delete pages and block users for a specified period of time. Administrators are not granted any extra authority; they must follow all policies. == Actions == Administrators can perform the following special actions, which include but are not limited to: * Delete and undelete pages, and view deleted revisions of pages. * Block and unblock users, temporary accounts, individual IP addresses, and IP ranges. * Protect and unprotect pages, and edit [[Wikibooks:Protection policy#Full protection|fully protected pages]]. * [[Help:Tracking changes#Reviewing pages|Configure the stable version of a page, and review changes]]. * Edit most pages in the [[:mw:Help:System message|MediaWiki namespace]].<ref>Only [[Wikibooks:Interface administrators|interface administrators]] can edit CSS and JS pages in the MediaWiki namespace.</ref> * Create or modify [[Wikibooks:Edit filter|edit filters]]. * Add and remove users from some [[Wikibooks:User groups|user groups]], such as [[Wikibooks:Reviewers|reviewer]] and [[Wikibooks:Uploaders|uploader]]. * Perform other special rights listed at [[Special:ListGroupRights#sysop]]. == Becoming an administrator == Administrators will only be created after a discussion at [[Wikibooks:Requests for permissions]] results in a consensus of acceptance. Wikibookians may either request permissions themselves, or be nominated by another. A user nominated to become an administrator must accept the nomination explicitly, either on [[Wikibooks:Requests for permissions]] or on their user talk page before the discussion begins. While there are no specific requirements for a user to become an administrator, they should be "well-known and trusted" members of the community, and expected to be familiar with policies, such as (but not limited to) [[Wikibooks:Blocking policy|blocking]], [[Wikibooks:Deletion policy|deleting/undeleting]], and [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protecting]]. Requests for adminship generally should be advertised using the {{tlx|RfA notice}} template on the [[MediaWiki:Sitenotice|sitenotice]]. == Removing an administrator == Administrators can be nominated for removal (also known as de-adminship) at [[Wikibooks:Requests for permissions]]. === Inactive administrators === {{shortcut|WB:INACTIVEADMIN}} Administrators that have made zero edits ''and'' zero logged actions in the span of one year (or more) will be listed under the removal section of [[Wikibooks:Requests for permissions]], where they are given two weeks to respond so they can retain their administrative privileges, unless they specify otherwise. After listing the inactive administrators, they must be notified on their user talk pages. If no response is received in two weeks, a request will be forwarded to the removal section of [[:m:Steward requests/Permissions]], where a steward will remove the rights. === Voluntary removal === Sysops requesting de-adminship themselves will have that request granted immediately, not being subject to community approval. Should a sysop have his/her privileges removed, the user may re-apply for adminship at a later date without prejudice. == Temporary administrators == {{shortcut|WB:TEMPADMIN}} Temporary administrators are users that are given adminship on a temporary basis. Typically, adminship is granted to perform specialist tasks that only administrators can perform, but would likely be too cumbersome or difficult for permanent administrators to do so. Temporary administrators must apply at [[Wikibooks:Requests for permissions]] in the usual fashion, with the following differences: * If candidates lack experience on English Wikibooks, experience and trust on other Wikimedia Foundation projects can be highly relevant. * Candidates should describe the precise tasks for which they need administrator-only rights, if this is proposed. * Following a consensus to promote, adminship should only be granted for the shortest duration needed. Renewals can be requested at [[Wikibooks:Requests for permissions]]. Temporary administrators should only use administrator-only rights for the tasks specified at their request for permissions, unless in an emergency. Since they will have access to the entire administrator abilities, they must take care to avoid using administrator-only rights outside of their stated tasks. The temporary admin may ask any permanent administrator for clarifications on what they are allowed/not allowed to do, and can ask any permanent administrator for permission to amend their conditions if needed (for instance, if they need to do something not originally approved). Any permanent administrator may request a steward to perform de-adminship immediately if there is any evidence that administrator-only rights are being used outside of the agreed tasks without good reason. If possible this should be discussed with the temporary admin first but in the event that the permanent administrator has reason to believe that the actions are significantly disruptive then they may ask the Steward to act immediately. == List of administrators == Temporary administrators are not included in this list, see ''[[#Non-regular administrators|Non-regular administrators]]'' below.<ref>An asterisk (*) indicates that the user is a temporary administrator due to [[:m:MVR|minimum voting requirements]], but is not under the [[#Temporary administrators|temporary administrator policy]].</ref> # {{admin|Atcovi}} # {{admin|Codename Noreste}} # {{admin|JJPMaster}} # {{admin|JackPotte}} # {{admin|Kittycataclysm}} # {{admin|Koavf}} # {{admin|Leaderboard}} # {{admin|MarcGarver}} # {{admin|SHB2000}} # {{admin|TunnelESON}} # {{admin|Xania}} === Non-regular administrators === This wiki allows [[:m:Global sysops|global sysops]] (and by extension, [[m:Stewards|stewards]]) to perform nearly all admin actions here, pursuant to the [[Wikibooks:Global rights policy|global rights policy]]. * Current global sysops can be found at [[Special:GlobalUsers/global-sysop]]. == Timeline of positions == {{AdminsChart}} == Notes == <references/> {{User groups}} {{Wikibooks policies and guidelines}} n3lus5ewqw72mrpkkhdkf8dnygh95aj Wikibooks talk:Card Catalog Office 5 80006 4653488 4057977 2026-07-10T14:52:06Z Akinloye Azeez 3613313 4653488 wikitext text/x-wiki {{rfd-survived}} {{archives}} == [[Wikibooks:Card Catalog Office/sandbox]] == Above sandbox created for improvement proposals. --[[User:Mrjulesd|<span style="color:orange;">Jules</span>]]&nbsp;[[User talk:Mrjulesd|(Mrjulesd)]] 07:32, 1 April 2021 (UTC) Akinloye Johnsine – Professional Biography Akinloye Johnsine is a dedicated professional with a passion for excellence, innovation, and continuous personal growth. With experience spanning technology, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, Johnsine is committed to delivering impactful solutions and building meaningful relationships. Drivenby a strong work ethic and a desire to make a positive difference, Johnsine has developed expertise in problem-solving, project execution, and customer-focused service. Whether collaborating with teams, leading initiatives, or supporting clients, Johnsine approaches every opportunity with integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail. Beyond professional pursuits, Johnsine values lifelong learning, leadership development, and giving back to the community. A firm believer in embracing new challenges, Johnsine continually seeks opportunities to expand knowledge, improve skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that create lasting value. Known for adaptability, reliability, and a results-oriented mindset, Akinloye Johnsine strives to inspire growth, foster innovation, and make a positive impact in every endeavor. Recent News and Activity There is no recent news or activity for this profile. Browse By: Organizations, People, Events Stay Connected Crunchbase Blog Crunchbase News Subscribe to the Crunchbase Daily Who We Are Company Careers Partners Press Contact Us Talk With Sales What We Do Crunchbase Pro Crunchbase Business Marketplace Data Licensing Customer Stories Pricing Helpful Links Create Profile Featured Lists and Searches Knowledge Center Privacy Do Not Sell My Info AI Content may contain mistakes and is not legal, financial or investment advice. Learn more. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Sitemap | © 2026 Crunchbase Inc. All Rights Reserved. (35d1611 1) Cookie Settings | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Info Search [[User:Akinloye Azeez|Akinloye Azeez]] ([[User talk:Akinloye Azeez|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Akinloye Azeez|contribs]]) 14:52, 10 July 2026 (UTC) 68tx5jmwdhzs165pz2ptry3372vzh41 User:Koavf 2 88763 4653513 4634183 2026-07-10T19:00:59Z Koavf 16549 4653513 wikitext text/x-wiki {{#babel:en|es-2|de-1|pt-1}} You're much more likely to find me on [[w:User:Koavf|Wikipedia]]. Reviewer since 2012-12-01T20:30:12. Administrator since 2026-07-10T13:56:23. ==My contributions== *[[Annotations to The Autobiography of a Catholic Anarchist|Annotations to ''The Autobiography of a Catholic Anarchist'']] *[[:{{BOOKCATEGORY|Annotations to The Autobiography of a Catholic Anarchist}}]] *[[:{{SUBJECTCATEGORY|Christianity}}]] *[[:{{BOOKCATEGORY|Human Nature: Catholic Thought and the Sciences}}]] *[[:{{SUBJECTCATEGORY|Anarchism}}]] *[[Module:Check isxn]] *[[Module:Check isxn/doc]] *[[Template:ISBN]] *[[Template:ISBN/doc]] ;''Social Statistics'' *[[:{{BOOKCATEGORY|Social Statistics}}]] *[[Social Statistics]] {{-}} {{User:Koavf/Template:Wiki}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Koavf}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:User:<span style="color:grey">''ko'''a'''</span><span style="color:black">v</span><span style="color:grey">f''</span>}} [[Category:Users in the United States]] 64gyq8mzth8z4al14pqjv49k31vqa6e Reaktor/Tutorials/Reaktor as effects processor/Hightlights of the properties window 0 100494 4653486 3353348 2026-07-10T14:49:36Z WereSpielChequers 248949 typo 4653486 wikitext text/x-wiki ==Hightlights of the Properties window== Every Reaktor object has numerous properties, allowing you many different ways to configure the behaviour and appearance of everything you build or use. The following overview and few examples show several interesting properties from an effects-processing and parameter-control perspective. As you read further on in the other parts of this tutorial, you'll see how I've used all of these examples myself when creating the ensemble examples described and included. You may find it most useful to come back to this section for close reading after exploring them. Hit F4 (Mac/PC) to open the Properties window. When open, the Properties window is always on top, and its focus and contents change depending on what object is hi-lighted in any panel or structure window (instrument, module, macro, panel control, table, etc.) It has 4 pages: [[Image:Fx-tutorial-20.png|center]] [[Image:Fx-tutorial-21.png|center]] [[Image:Fx-tutorial-22.png|center]] [[Image:Fx-tutorial-23.png|center]] [[Image:Fx-tutorial-24.png|center]] [[Reaktor/Tutorials/Reaktor as effects processor/Signal routing: mono to stereo - stereo to mono|next page]] {{BookCat}} ay4r3qxpglky6ujp2te3mfc58491jrm Wikibooks:Reading room/General 4 112405 4653487 4653434 2026-07-10T14:51:42Z Kai Burghardt 153973 /* Images lost in Engineering Acoustics */ most images deleted because of lack of copyright information 4653487 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{Shortcut|WB:CHAT|WB:RR/G|WB:GENERAL}} {{TOC left|limit=3}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(60d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = 7a0ac23cf8049e4d9ff70cabb5649d1a }} Welcome to the '''General reading room'''. On this page, Wikibookians are free to talk about the Wikibooks project in general. For proposals for improving Wikibooks, see the [[../Proposals/]] reading room. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == May 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|75px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of May. Both sessions will focus on the [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 the 2026-2027 Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780153200 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 05:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780203600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Café participants are highly encouraged to read in advance [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Sohom_Datta/annual_plan_guide at least this summary of the plan]. Optionally, Café participants are encouraged to read portions of the plan that interest them and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 ask questions or provide feedback on the Annual Plan talk page]. Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#May_2026_meetings_with_a_focus_on_Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 tables of timestamp conversions for both sessions], [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#Agenda._This_will_be_an_approximately_1_hour_Caf%C3%A9_session,_and_is_extendible_for_an_additional_30_minutes_if_needed. the agenda], and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 19:44, 21 May 2026 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2026 U4C election == <section begin="announcement-content" /> Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2026 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2026|2026 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 2 June 2026 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780358400 00:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 14 June 2026. -- In cooperation with the U4C,<section end="announcement-content" /> [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 17:14, 27 May 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Discussion at WB:TECH == I started a discussion whether we should keep the FlaggedRevs comment box hidden at [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Technical Assistance#Is this CSS code necessary?]], but I am notifying here due to a lack of participation over there. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:41, 30 May 2026 (UTC) == Template:Printable testing == Is there any way to use Template:Printable so that it creates a printable version of a ''different'' page? I've been wanting to see what it looks like without having to create a subpage. <span style="color:#FF0000">[[User:User97104|User]]</span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[User talk:User97104|97104]] </span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[Special:Contributions/User97104|(fixes)]]</span> 23:59, 8 June 2026 (UTC) == June 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|60px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of June. Both sessions will focus on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Editor_reflections English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project]. The featured guest in the Café will be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Clovermoss User:Clovermoss]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''27 June 2026 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782572400 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''28 June 2026 03:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782615600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 04:09, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == Images lost in Engineering Acoustics == Hello, I just made an updated PDF version of the wiki book on Engineering Acoustics. During this processes I realized that 19 Images are missing. I left the respective chapters out of the PDF version. You can find the missing files by opening https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Engineering_Acoustics/Print_version in your web browser and search for the text File: . I am not sure why they were deleted. But possibly they were moved to Wikimedia Commons first and deleted after that. I could try to restore the from the 16 years old PDF version but I lack any authorship information so I think we need to redraw all of them. Furthermore I realized that some of the rest of the images in the wiki book have got a very poor resolution Yours 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) [[User:Dirk Hünniger|Dirk Hünniger]] ([[User talk:Dirk Hünniger|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dirk Hünniger|contribs]]) 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) : {{re|Dirk Hünniger}} All media ([[:File: Acousticplanewave1.gif|A]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|B]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|C]][[:File: Acousticpressure1.gif|D]][[:File: Ra analogs.png|E]][[:File: Acoustic gen.png|F]][[:File: Enclosed Piston.png|G]][[:File: Equ1.jpg|H]][[:File: Equ3.gif|I]][[:File: Equ4.gif|K]][[:File: Comp.gif|L]][[:File: Example2holm1sol.JPG|M]][[:File: Exam2prob.JPG|N]][[:File: Exam2sol.JPG|O]][[:File: 1Dwave graph1.png|P]][[:File: String dwg.jpg|Q]][[:File: Equations1.jpg|R]][[:File: Equations2.jpg|S]]) except [[:File: Inductive law pass filter.jpg|Inductive law pass filter.jpg]] and [[:File: Open-twister.gif|Open-twister.gif]] were once deleted by [[User: Jguk|Jguk]] and [[User: Darklama|Darklame]] because after a grace period they still lacked copyright information. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 14:51, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Citing WikiBooks? == Wikipedia has a page for Citing Wikipedia, but I haven't found one here, so I have a few questions: # How would I cite Wikibooks in an essay? # Do I need to cite sources on Wikibooks? If so, how? [[User:BlazeFlames|BlazeFlames]] ([[User talk:BlazeFlames|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/BlazeFlames|contribs]]) 22:48, 18 June 2026 (UTC) :# This should give you a good method: https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/how-to-cite-wikipedia/ :# Generally, no. We have [[Wikibooks:Policies and guidelines|no policy that requires or prohibits citing sources]] and we have a [[Help:Editing#References|help page on how to do it]], with a [[Wikibooks:Templates/Sources|number of templates]] to standardize the process. There is definitely value in citing sources, so I don't want to discourage it. :―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:10, 19 June 2026 (UTC) == Unhide the FlaggedRevs comment box? == :''Reposted from [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/2026/April#Is this CSS code necessary?]] as the former link had no participation.'' I propose unhiding the FlaggedRevs comment box (via MediaWiki:Common.css) because it might be useful to add in a comment when reverting with the FlaggedRevs reversion, unlike rollback. It might also be useful in cases to add a comment on what the user edited when accepting a revision. Thoughts? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 21:17, 20 June 2026 (UTC) == RFC about AI-generated content in Wikimedia Commons == <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr"> You are invited to participate in a [[c:Commons:Requests for comment/Policy update for AI content|request for comment on Wikimedia Commons about a policy update for AI content]]. This may affect files that are uploaded to Wikimedia Commons for use on this project. Thank you. [[m:User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[m:User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]])</bdi> 17:11, 23 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Codename Noreste@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Deployment of Legal and Safety Contacts Link in the Footer of Your Wiki == <section begin="Message"/> '''Legal & Safety Contacts''' Hello community, the Wikimedia Foundation has provided a [[wmf:Special:MyLanguage/Legal:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contact Information|single legal and safety contact page]], to be linked in the footer of your wiki, to ensure access to accurate legal information. This is a regulatory requirement. We have already rolled out links to English, German, Italian, Spanish and other wikis and we will deploy to your wiki soon. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contacts_FAQ|Please read more on the project page]] and leave any comments in this thread or on the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Talk:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contacts FAQ|talk page]]. <section end="Message"/> -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|User:Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 13:30, 25 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=30731267 --> == A question about the user right move-subpages == Even though reviewers have the ability to move 100 pages per minute (per InitialiseSettings.php), they do not have <code>move-subpages</code>, which allows moving a book (with all its subpages) in one single action. Is this user right considered sensitive (hence it is restricted to administrators by default)? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 04:23, 9 July 2026 (UTC) :I'm not 100% sure what the problem is as long as mass moving is limited to admins in the first place, as this can really cause problems (I recently encountered this mass-moving 100 out of c. 260 pages on a wiki). I support filing a ticket at [[:phab:]] to extend [[:mw:Manual:$wgMaximumMovedPages|$wgMaximumMovedPages]] to 1,000. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 05:33, 9 July 2026 (UTC) == Regarding local checkusers == Not to be negative here, but I am not sure what is the point of having local checkusers here, while by [[WB:GRP#Stewards|policy]] we explicitly allow stewards to perform CUs here. An example would be because MarcGarver, while a local CU and is sometimes pinged here, has an intermittent pattern of activity here. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:15, 9 July 2026 (UTC) 7lzslr4s0co6siy0w2b4gxphnnnl3oc 4653490 4653487 2026-07-10T15:10:01Z Kai Burghardt 153973 /* Citing WikiBooks? */ [[Special: CiteThisPage]] is available 4653490 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{Shortcut|WB:CHAT|WB:RR/G|WB:GENERAL}} {{TOC left|limit=3}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(60d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = 7a0ac23cf8049e4d9ff70cabb5649d1a }} Welcome to the '''General reading room'''. On this page, Wikibookians are free to talk about the Wikibooks project in general. For proposals for improving Wikibooks, see the [[../Proposals/]] reading room. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == May 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|75px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of May. Both sessions will focus on the [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 the 2026-2027 Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780153200 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 05:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780203600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Café participants are highly encouraged to read in advance [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Sohom_Datta/annual_plan_guide at least this summary of the plan]. Optionally, Café participants are encouraged to read portions of the plan that interest them and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 ask questions or provide feedback on the Annual Plan talk page]. Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#May_2026_meetings_with_a_focus_on_Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 tables of timestamp conversions for both sessions], [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#Agenda._This_will_be_an_approximately_1_hour_Caf%C3%A9_session,_and_is_extendible_for_an_additional_30_minutes_if_needed. the agenda], and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 19:44, 21 May 2026 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2026 U4C election == <section begin="announcement-content" /> Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2026 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2026|2026 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 2 June 2026 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780358400 00:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 14 June 2026. -- In cooperation with the U4C,<section end="announcement-content" /> [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 17:14, 27 May 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Discussion at WB:TECH == I started a discussion whether we should keep the FlaggedRevs comment box hidden at [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Technical Assistance#Is this CSS code necessary?]], but I am notifying here due to a lack of participation over there. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:41, 30 May 2026 (UTC) == Template:Printable testing == Is there any way to use Template:Printable so that it creates a printable version of a ''different'' page? I've been wanting to see what it looks like without having to create a subpage. <span style="color:#FF0000">[[User:User97104|User]]</span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[User talk:User97104|97104]] </span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[Special:Contributions/User97104|(fixes)]]</span> 23:59, 8 June 2026 (UTC) == June 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|60px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of June. Both sessions will focus on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Editor_reflections English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project]. The featured guest in the Café will be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Clovermoss User:Clovermoss]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''27 June 2026 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782572400 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''28 June 2026 03:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782615600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 04:09, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == Images lost in Engineering Acoustics == Hello, I just made an updated PDF version of the wiki book on Engineering Acoustics. During this processes I realized that 19 Images are missing. I left the respective chapters out of the PDF version. You can find the missing files by opening https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Engineering_Acoustics/Print_version in your web browser and search for the text File: . I am not sure why they were deleted. But possibly they were moved to Wikimedia Commons first and deleted after that. I could try to restore the from the 16 years old PDF version but I lack any authorship information so I think we need to redraw all of them. Furthermore I realized that some of the rest of the images in the wiki book have got a very poor resolution Yours 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) [[User:Dirk Hünniger|Dirk Hünniger]] ([[User talk:Dirk Hünniger|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dirk Hünniger|contribs]]) 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) : {{re|Dirk Hünniger}} All media ([[:File: Acousticplanewave1.gif|A]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|B]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|C]][[:File: Acousticpressure1.gif|D]][[:File: Ra analogs.png|E]][[:File: Acoustic gen.png|F]][[:File: Enclosed Piston.png|G]][[:File: Equ1.jpg|H]][[:File: Equ3.gif|I]][[:File: Equ4.gif|K]][[:File: Comp.gif|L]][[:File: Example2holm1sol.JPG|M]][[:File: Exam2prob.JPG|N]][[:File: Exam2sol.JPG|O]][[:File: 1Dwave graph1.png|P]][[:File: String dwg.jpg|Q]][[:File: Equations1.jpg|R]][[:File: Equations2.jpg|S]]) except [[:File: Inductive law pass filter.jpg|Inductive law pass filter.jpg]] and [[:File: Open-twister.gif|Open-twister.gif]] were once deleted by [[User: Jguk|Jguk]] and [[User: Darklama|Darklame]] because after a grace period they still lacked copyright information. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 14:51, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Citing WikiBooks? == Wikipedia has a page for Citing Wikipedia, but I haven't found one here, so I have a few questions: # How would I cite Wikibooks in an essay? # Do I need to cite sources on Wikibooks? If so, how? [[User:BlazeFlames|BlazeFlames]] ([[User talk:BlazeFlames|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/BlazeFlames|contribs]]) 22:48, 18 June 2026 (UTC) :# This should give you a good method: https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/how-to-cite-wikipedia/ :# Generally, no. We have [[Wikibooks:Policies and guidelines|no policy that requires or prohibits citing sources]] and we have a [[Help:Editing#References|help page on how to do it]], with a [[Wikibooks:Templates/Sources|number of templates]] to standardize the process. There is definitely value in citing sources, so I don't want to discourage it. :―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:10, 19 June 2026 (UTC) :: {{re|BlazeFlames}} As you can see in [[Special: Version#mw-version-ext|Special: Version § Installed Extensions]] this MediaWiki has the [[mw: Special: MyLanguage/Extension: CiteThisPage|CiteThisPage extension]] installed. On the English‑language edition of Wikibooks you can navigate to [[Special: CiteThisPage/Typewriting|Special: CiteThisPage/…]] even though it is not listed in the [[MediaWiki: Sidebar]] (but it’s listed in [[Special: SpecialPages#mw-specialpagesgroup-pagetools|Special: SpecialPages]]). However, on {{abbr|WB|Wikibooks}} I would link via the [[mw: Special: MyLanguage/Help: Page ID|page ID]] rather than the page title; replace <syntaxhighlight lang='text' inline>title=Booktitle</syntaxhighlight> with <syntaxhighlight lang='text' inline>curid=123456</syntaxhighlight>. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 15:09, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Unhide the FlaggedRevs comment box? == :''Reposted from [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/2026/April#Is this CSS code necessary?]] as the former link had no participation.'' I propose unhiding the FlaggedRevs comment box (via MediaWiki:Common.css) because it might be useful to add in a comment when reverting with the FlaggedRevs reversion, unlike rollback. It might also be useful in cases to add a comment on what the user edited when accepting a revision. Thoughts? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 21:17, 20 June 2026 (UTC) == RFC about AI-generated content in Wikimedia Commons == <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr"> You are invited to participate in a [[c:Commons:Requests for comment/Policy update for AI content|request for comment on Wikimedia Commons about a policy update for AI content]]. This may affect files that are uploaded to Wikimedia Commons for use on this project. Thank you. [[m:User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[m:User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]])</bdi> 17:11, 23 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Codename Noreste@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Deployment of Legal and Safety Contacts Link in the Footer of Your Wiki == <section begin="Message"/> '''Legal & Safety Contacts''' Hello community, the Wikimedia Foundation has provided a [[wmf:Special:MyLanguage/Legal:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contact Information|single legal and safety contact page]], to be linked in the footer of your wiki, to ensure access to accurate legal information. This is a regulatory requirement. We have already rolled out links to English, German, Italian, Spanish and other wikis and we will deploy to your wiki soon. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contacts_FAQ|Please read more on the project page]] and leave any comments in this thread or on the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Talk:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contacts FAQ|talk page]]. <section end="Message"/> -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|User:Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 13:30, 25 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=30731267 --> == A question about the user right move-subpages == Even though reviewers have the ability to move 100 pages per minute (per InitialiseSettings.php), they do not have <code>move-subpages</code>, which allows moving a book (with all its subpages) in one single action. Is this user right considered sensitive (hence it is restricted to administrators by default)? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 04:23, 9 July 2026 (UTC) :I'm not 100% sure what the problem is as long as mass moving is limited to admins in the first place, as this can really cause problems (I recently encountered this mass-moving 100 out of c. 260 pages on a wiki). I support filing a ticket at [[:phab:]] to extend [[:mw:Manual:$wgMaximumMovedPages|$wgMaximumMovedPages]] to 1,000. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 05:33, 9 July 2026 (UTC) == Regarding local checkusers == Not to be negative here, but I am not sure what is the point of having local checkusers here, while by [[WB:GRP#Stewards|policy]] we explicitly allow stewards to perform CUs here. An example would be because MarcGarver, while a local CU and is sometimes pinged here, has an intermittent pattern of activity here. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:15, 9 July 2026 (UTC) 0f4nsmxgmf9mbrit5o048j94ji5gk1l 4653967 4653490 2026-07-11T07:49:58Z Dirk Hünniger 343292 /* Images lost in Engineering Acoustics */ Reply 4653967 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{Shortcut|WB:CHAT|WB:RR/G|WB:GENERAL}} {{TOC left|limit=3}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(60d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = 7a0ac23cf8049e4d9ff70cabb5649d1a }} Welcome to the '''General reading room'''. On this page, Wikibookians are free to talk about the Wikibooks project in general. For proposals for improving Wikibooks, see the [[../Proposals/]] reading room. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == May 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|75px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of May. Both sessions will focus on the [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 the 2026-2027 Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780153200 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 05:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780203600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Café participants are highly encouraged to read in advance [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Sohom_Datta/annual_plan_guide at least this summary of the plan]. Optionally, Café participants are encouraged to read portions of the plan that interest them and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 ask questions or provide feedback on the Annual Plan talk page]. Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#May_2026_meetings_with_a_focus_on_Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 tables of timestamp conversions for both sessions], [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#Agenda._This_will_be_an_approximately_1_hour_Caf%C3%A9_session,_and_is_extendible_for_an_additional_30_minutes_if_needed. the agenda], and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 19:44, 21 May 2026 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2026 U4C election == <section begin="announcement-content" /> Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2026 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2026|2026 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 2 June 2026 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780358400 00:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 14 June 2026. -- In cooperation with the U4C,<section end="announcement-content" /> [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 17:14, 27 May 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Discussion at WB:TECH == I started a discussion whether we should keep the FlaggedRevs comment box hidden at [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Technical Assistance#Is this CSS code necessary?]], but I am notifying here due to a lack of participation over there. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:41, 30 May 2026 (UTC) == Template:Printable testing == Is there any way to use Template:Printable so that it creates a printable version of a ''different'' page? I've been wanting to see what it looks like without having to create a subpage. <span style="color:#FF0000">[[User:User97104|User]]</span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[User talk:User97104|97104]] </span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[Special:Contributions/User97104|(fixes)]]</span> 23:59, 8 June 2026 (UTC) == June 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|60px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of June. Both sessions will focus on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Editor_reflections English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project]. The featured guest in the Café will be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Clovermoss User:Clovermoss]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''27 June 2026 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782572400 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''28 June 2026 03:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782615600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 04:09, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == Images lost in Engineering Acoustics == Hello, I just made an updated PDF version of the wiki book on Engineering Acoustics. During this processes I realized that 19 Images are missing. I left the respective chapters out of the PDF version. You can find the missing files by opening https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Engineering_Acoustics/Print_version in your web browser and search for the text File: . I am not sure why they were deleted. But possibly they were moved to Wikimedia Commons first and deleted after that. I could try to restore the from the 16 years old PDF version but I lack any authorship information so I think we need to redraw all of them. Furthermore I realized that some of the rest of the images in the wiki book have got a very poor resolution Yours 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) [[User:Dirk Hünniger|Dirk Hünniger]] ([[User talk:Dirk Hünniger|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dirk Hünniger|contribs]]) 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) : {{re|Dirk Hünniger}} All media ([[:File: Acousticplanewave1.gif|A]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|B]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|C]][[:File: Acousticpressure1.gif|D]][[:File: Ra analogs.png|E]][[:File: Acoustic gen.png|F]][[:File: Enclosed Piston.png|G]][[:File: Equ1.jpg|H]][[:File: Equ3.gif|I]][[:File: Equ4.gif|K]][[:File: Comp.gif|L]][[:File: Example2holm1sol.JPG|M]][[:File: Exam2prob.JPG|N]][[:File: Exam2sol.JPG|O]][[:File: 1Dwave graph1.png|P]][[:File: String dwg.jpg|Q]][[:File: Equations1.jpg|R]][[:File: Equations2.jpg|S]]) except [[:File: Inductive law pass filter.jpg|Inductive law pass filter.jpg]] and [[:File: Open-twister.gif|Open-twister.gif]] were once deleted by [[User: Jguk|Jguk]] and [[User: Darklama|Darklame]] because after a grace period they still lacked copyright information. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 14:51, 10 July 2026 (UTC) ::@[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ::Do we also need to delete the PDF then? It contains theses images. ::Yours [[User:Dirk Hünniger|Dirk Hünniger]] ([[User talk:Dirk Hünniger|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dirk Hünniger|contribs]]) 07:49, 11 July 2026 (UTC) == Citing WikiBooks? == Wikipedia has a page for Citing Wikipedia, but I haven't found one here, so I have a few questions: # How would I cite Wikibooks in an essay? # Do I need to cite sources on Wikibooks? If so, how? [[User:BlazeFlames|BlazeFlames]] ([[User talk:BlazeFlames|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/BlazeFlames|contribs]]) 22:48, 18 June 2026 (UTC) :# This should give you a good method: https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/how-to-cite-wikipedia/ :# Generally, no. We have [[Wikibooks:Policies and guidelines|no policy that requires or prohibits citing sources]] and we have a [[Help:Editing#References|help page on how to do it]], with a [[Wikibooks:Templates/Sources|number of templates]] to standardize the process. There is definitely value in citing sources, so I don't want to discourage it. :―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:10, 19 June 2026 (UTC) :: {{re|BlazeFlames}} As you can see in [[Special: Version#mw-version-ext|Special: Version § Installed Extensions]] this MediaWiki has the [[mw: Special: MyLanguage/Extension: CiteThisPage|CiteThisPage extension]] installed. On the English‑language edition of Wikibooks you can navigate to [[Special: CiteThisPage/Typewriting|Special: CiteThisPage/…]] even though it is not listed in the [[MediaWiki: Sidebar]] (but it’s listed in [[Special: SpecialPages#mw-specialpagesgroup-pagetools|Special: SpecialPages]]). However, on {{abbr|WB|Wikibooks}} I would link via the [[mw: Special: MyLanguage/Help: Page ID|page ID]] rather than the page title; replace <syntaxhighlight lang='text' inline>title=Booktitle</syntaxhighlight> with <syntaxhighlight lang='text' inline>curid=123456</syntaxhighlight>. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 15:09, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Unhide the FlaggedRevs comment box? == :''Reposted from [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/2026/April#Is this CSS code necessary?]] as the former link had no participation.'' I propose unhiding the FlaggedRevs comment box (via MediaWiki:Common.css) because it might be useful to add in a comment when reverting with the FlaggedRevs reversion, unlike rollback. It might also be useful in cases to add a comment on what the user edited when accepting a revision. Thoughts? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 21:17, 20 June 2026 (UTC) == RFC about AI-generated content in Wikimedia Commons == <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr"> You are invited to participate in a [[c:Commons:Requests for comment/Policy update for AI content|request for comment on Wikimedia Commons about a policy update for AI content]]. This may affect files that are uploaded to Wikimedia Commons for use on this project. Thank you. [[m:User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[m:User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]])</bdi> 17:11, 23 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Codename Noreste@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Deployment of Legal and Safety Contacts Link in the Footer of Your Wiki == <section begin="Message"/> '''Legal & Safety Contacts''' Hello community, the Wikimedia Foundation has provided a [[wmf:Special:MyLanguage/Legal:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contact Information|single legal and safety contact page]], to be linked in the footer of your wiki, to ensure access to accurate legal information. This is a regulatory requirement. We have already rolled out links to English, German, Italian, Spanish and other wikis and we will deploy to your wiki soon. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contacts_FAQ|Please read more on the project page]] and leave any comments in this thread or on the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Talk:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contacts FAQ|talk page]]. <section end="Message"/> -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|User:Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 13:30, 25 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=30731267 --> == A question about the user right move-subpages == Even though reviewers have the ability to move 100 pages per minute (per InitialiseSettings.php), they do not have <code>move-subpages</code>, which allows moving a book (with all its subpages) in one single action. Is this user right considered sensitive (hence it is restricted to administrators by default)? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 04:23, 9 July 2026 (UTC) :I'm not 100% sure what the problem is as long as mass moving is limited to admins in the first place, as this can really cause problems (I recently encountered this mass-moving 100 out of c. 260 pages on a wiki). I support filing a ticket at [[:phab:]] to extend [[:mw:Manual:$wgMaximumMovedPages|$wgMaximumMovedPages]] to 1,000. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 05:33, 9 July 2026 (UTC) == Regarding local checkusers == Not to be negative here, but I am not sure what is the point of having local checkusers here, while by [[WB:GRP#Stewards|policy]] we explicitly allow stewards to perform CUs here. An example would be because MarcGarver, while a local CU and is sometimes pinged here, has an intermittent pattern of activity here. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:15, 9 July 2026 (UTC) am8wmlhxwrjbqj8za3co0jmtfu1slok 4653972 4653967 2026-07-11T08:40:53Z Kai Burghardt 153973 /* Images lost in Engineering Acoustics */ reply 4653972 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{Shortcut|WB:CHAT|WB:RR/G|WB:GENERAL}} {{TOC left|limit=3}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(60d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = 7a0ac23cf8049e4d9ff70cabb5649d1a }} Welcome to the '''General reading room'''. On this page, Wikibookians are free to talk about the Wikibooks project in general. For proposals for improving Wikibooks, see the [[../Proposals/]] reading room. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == May 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|75px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of May. Both sessions will focus on the [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 the 2026-2027 Wikimedia Foundation Annual Plan]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780153200 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''Sunday, 31 May 2026 at 05:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780203600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Café participants are highly encouraged to read in advance [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Sohom_Datta/annual_plan_guide at least this summary of the plan]. Optionally, Café participants are encouraged to read portions of the plan that interest them and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Talk:Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 ask questions or provide feedback on the Annual Plan talk page]. Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#May_2026_meetings_with_a_focus_on_Wikimedia_Foundation_Annual_Plan/2026-2027 tables of timestamp conversions for both sessions], [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#Agenda._This_will_be_an_approximately_1_hour_Caf%C3%A9_session,_and_is_extendible_for_an_additional_30_minutes_if_needed. the agenda], and [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 19:44, 21 May 2026 (UTC) == Vote now in the 2026 U4C election == <section begin="announcement-content" /> Eligible voters are asked to participate in the 2026 [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee|Universal Code of Conduct Coordinating Committee]] election. More information–including an eligibility check, voting process information, candidate information, and a link to the vote–are available on Meta at the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/Coordinating_Committee/Election/2026|2026 Election information page]]. The vote closes on 2 June 2026 at [https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1780358400 00:00 UTC]. Please vote if your account is eligible. Results will be available by 14 June 2026. -- In cooperation with the U4C,<section end="announcement-content" /> [[m:User:Keegan (WMF)|Keegan (WMF)]] ([[m:User talk:Keegan (WMF)|talk]]) 17:14, 27 May 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Keegan (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Discussion at WB:TECH == I started a discussion whether we should keep the FlaggedRevs comment box hidden at [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Technical Assistance#Is this CSS code necessary?]], but I am notifying here due to a lack of participation over there. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:41, 30 May 2026 (UTC) == Template:Printable testing == Is there any way to use Template:Printable so that it creates a printable version of a ''different'' page? I've been wanting to see what it looks like without having to create a subpage. <span style="color:#FF0000">[[User:User97104|User]]</span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[User talk:User97104|97104]] </span><span style="color:#FF0000">[[Special:Contributions/User97104|(fixes)]]</span> 23:59, 8 June 2026 (UTC) == June 2026 Wikimedia Café meetups regarding the English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project == <div class="border-box" style="background-color: var(--background-color-warning-subtle, #f8eaba); max-width: 875px; padding: 5px; border: 1px solid black; margin: 5px; color: var(--clr-dark)"> <div class="box" style="float:left; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px;">[[File:Wikimedia Café logo in plain SVG format.svg|60px|alt=The logo for the Wikimedia Café]]</div> Hello! There will be two '''[https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9 Wikimedia Café]''' discussion opportunities during the last weekend of June. Both sessions will focus on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Editor_reflections English Wikipedia Editor Reflections project]. The featured guest in the Café will be [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Clovermoss User:Clovermoss]. Participants may attend either or both sessions. #'''27 June 2026 15:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782572400 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to the Americas, Africa, and Europe #'''28 June 2026 03:00 UTC''' ([https://zonestamp.toolforge.org/1782615600 timestamp converter]), at a time friendly to Asia and the Pacific Please see the Café page for more information, including [https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Caf%C3%A9#How_to_attend_the_session how to register]! <br /> [[File:Buntstifte Eberhard Faber crop 64h.jpg|860px|alt=cropped image of colored pencils]]</div> <span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[User:Pine|<span style="color:#01796f; text-shadow:#00BFFF 0 0 1.0em">↠Pine</span>]] [[User talk:Pine|<span style="color:DeepSkyBlue">(<b style="color:#FFDF00;text-shadow:#FFDF00 0 0 1.0em">✉</b>)</span>]]</span> 04:09, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == Images lost in Engineering Acoustics == Hello, I just made an updated PDF version of the wiki book on Engineering Acoustics. During this processes I realized that 19 Images are missing. I left the respective chapters out of the PDF version. You can find the missing files by opening https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Engineering_Acoustics/Print_version in your web browser and search for the text File: . I am not sure why they were deleted. But possibly they were moved to Wikimedia Commons first and deleted after that. I could try to restore the from the 16 years old PDF version but I lack any authorship information so I think we need to redraw all of them. Furthermore I realized that some of the rest of the images in the wiki book have got a very poor resolution Yours 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) [[User:Dirk Hünniger|Dirk Hünniger]] ([[User talk:Dirk Hünniger|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dirk Hünniger|contribs]]) 18:22, 18 June 2026 (UTC) : {{re|Dirk Hünniger}} All media ([[:File: Acousticplanewave1.gif|A]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|B]][[:File: Acousticcontrolsurface.gif|C]][[:File: Acousticpressure1.gif|D]][[:File: Ra analogs.png|E]][[:File: Acoustic gen.png|F]][[:File: Enclosed Piston.png|G]][[:File: Equ1.jpg|H]][[:File: Equ3.gif|I]][[:File: Equ4.gif|K]][[:File: Comp.gif|L]][[:File: Example2holm1sol.JPG|M]][[:File: Exam2prob.JPG|N]][[:File: Exam2sol.JPG|O]][[:File: 1Dwave graph1.png|P]][[:File: String dwg.jpg|Q]][[:File: Equations1.jpg|R]][[:File: Equations2.jpg|S]]) except [[:File: Inductive law pass filter.jpg|Inductive law pass filter.jpg]] and [[:File: Open-twister.gif|Open-twister.gif]] were once deleted by [[User: Jguk|Jguk]] and [[User: Darklama|Darklame]] because after a grace period they still lacked copyright information. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 14:51, 10 July 2026 (UTC) ::@[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ::Do we also need to delete the PDF then? It contains theses images. ::Yours [[User:Dirk Hünniger|Dirk Hünniger]] ([[User talk:Dirk Hünniger|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Dirk Hünniger|contribs]]) 07:49, 11 July 2026 (UTC) ::: {{re|Dirk Hünniger}} It depends on the images’ contents, whether they’re copyrightable. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 08:40, 11 July 2026 (UTC) == Citing WikiBooks? == Wikipedia has a page for Citing Wikipedia, but I haven't found one here, so I have a few questions: # How would I cite Wikibooks in an essay? # Do I need to cite sources on Wikibooks? If so, how? [[User:BlazeFlames|BlazeFlames]] ([[User talk:BlazeFlames|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/BlazeFlames|contribs]]) 22:48, 18 June 2026 (UTC) :# This should give you a good method: https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/how-to-cite-wikipedia/ :# Generally, no. We have [[Wikibooks:Policies and guidelines|no policy that requires or prohibits citing sources]] and we have a [[Help:Editing#References|help page on how to do it]], with a [[Wikibooks:Templates/Sources|number of templates]] to standardize the process. There is definitely value in citing sources, so I don't want to discourage it. :―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 09:10, 19 June 2026 (UTC) :: {{re|BlazeFlames}} As you can see in [[Special: Version#mw-version-ext|Special: Version § Installed Extensions]] this MediaWiki has the [[mw: Special: MyLanguage/Extension: CiteThisPage|CiteThisPage extension]] installed. On the English‑language edition of Wikibooks you can navigate to [[Special: CiteThisPage/Typewriting|Special: CiteThisPage/…]] even though it is not listed in the [[MediaWiki: Sidebar]] (but it’s listed in [[Special: SpecialPages#mw-specialpagesgroup-pagetools|Special: SpecialPages]]). However, on {{abbr|WB|Wikibooks}} I would link via the [[mw: Special: MyLanguage/Help: Page ID|page ID]] rather than the page title; replace <syntaxhighlight lang='text' inline>title=Booktitle</syntaxhighlight> with <syntaxhighlight lang='text' inline>curid=123456</syntaxhighlight>. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 15:09, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Unhide the FlaggedRevs comment box? == :''Reposted from [[Wikibooks:Reading room/Archives/2026/April#Is this CSS code necessary?]] as the former link had no participation.'' I propose unhiding the FlaggedRevs comment box (via MediaWiki:Common.css) because it might be useful to add in a comment when reverting with the FlaggedRevs reversion, unlike rollback. It might also be useful in cases to add a comment on what the user edited when accepting a revision. Thoughts? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 21:17, 20 June 2026 (UTC) == RFC about AI-generated content in Wikimedia Commons == <bdi lang="en" dir="ltr"> You are invited to participate in a [[c:Commons:Requests for comment/Policy update for AI content|request for comment on Wikimedia Commons about a policy update for AI content]]. This may affect files that are uploaded to Wikimedia Commons for use on this project. Thank you. [[m:User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[m:User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]])</bdi> 17:11, 23 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Codename Noreste@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Distribution_list/Global_message_delivery&oldid=30513860 --> == Deployment of Legal and Safety Contacts Link in the Footer of Your Wiki == <section begin="Message"/> '''Legal & Safety Contacts''' Hello community, the Wikimedia Foundation has provided a [[wmf:Special:MyLanguage/Legal:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contact Information|single legal and safety contact page]], to be linked in the footer of your wiki, to ensure access to accurate legal information. This is a regulatory requirement. We have already rolled out links to English, German, Italian, Spanish and other wikis and we will deploy to your wiki soon. [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia_Foundation_Legal_and_Safety_Contacts_FAQ|Please read more on the project page]] and leave any comments in this thread or on the [[m:Special:MyLanguage/Talk:Wikimedia Foundation Legal and Safety Contacts FAQ|talk page]]. <section end="Message"/> -- [[User:Sannita (WMF)|User:Sannita (WMF)]] ([[User talk:Sannita (WMF)|talk]]) 13:30, 25 June 2026 (UTC) <!-- Message sent by User:Sannita (WMF)@metawiki using the list at https://meta.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sannita_(WMF)/Mass_sending_test&oldid=30731267 --> == A question about the user right move-subpages == Even though reviewers have the ability to move 100 pages per minute (per InitialiseSettings.php), they do not have <code>move-subpages</code>, which allows moving a book (with all its subpages) in one single action. Is this user right considered sensitive (hence it is restricted to administrators by default)? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 04:23, 9 July 2026 (UTC) :I'm not 100% sure what the problem is as long as mass moving is limited to admins in the first place, as this can really cause problems (I recently encountered this mass-moving 100 out of c. 260 pages on a wiki). I support filing a ticket at [[:phab:]] to extend [[:mw:Manual:$wgMaximumMovedPages|$wgMaximumMovedPages]] to 1,000. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 05:33, 9 July 2026 (UTC) == Regarding local checkusers == Not to be negative here, but I am not sure what is the point of having local checkusers here, while by [[WB:GRP#Stewards|policy]] we explicitly allow stewards to perform CUs here. An example would be because MarcGarver, while a local CU and is sometimes pinged here, has an intermittent pattern of activity here. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:15, 9 July 2026 (UTC) h91hvuvcar9tmx5k9idxoiegb3nlhbf The Geology of Indonesia 0 132774 4653521 4386471 2026-07-10T19:05:32Z Koavf 16549 4653521 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Split}} The '''Geology of Indonesia''' Wikibook is an online book about the Geology of Indonesia. This is a Wikibooks project, aimed for a collaborative approach to gather maximum knowledge available about the subject. It is intended to compile the current technical knowledge on the geology of Indonesia. Anybody is welcome to contribute to this book. The initial content of this Wikibook came from "An Outline of the Geology of Indonesia", Darman, H. & Sidi, H. (eds.), 2000, a special publication of the Indonesian Association of Geologist (IAGI). Different authors have contributed to this book and new information is added through time. As Indonesia is a vast region, the general geology for each region is described separately under different chapters. The book also covers the geological application for the petroleum, natural resources and geological hazards. The geological hazard will also cover the recent development of earthquake, tsunami, and other hazards in Indonesia. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire with extensive volcanic network which give rise to the recent earthquake. __NOTOC__ == Preface == Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state in the world comprising five major islands and about 300 smaller island groups. Altogether there are 13,667 islands and islets of which about 6,000 inhabited. The archipelago is situated on a crossroad between two oceans, the Pacific and Indian oceans, and bridges two continents, the Asian and Australian. Indonesia has a total area of 9,8 million km<sup>2</sup>, of which more than 7,9 million km<sup>2</sup> are under water. Physiographically, the islands of Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan are attached to the Sunda Shelf of the Asian continent. On this landmass the water depth does not exceed 200 meters. To the east, Irian Jaya and the Aru islands lie on the Sahul Shelf, which are parts of the Australian continent. Located between these two shelves is the island group of Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku and Halmahera. These islands are encircled by deep seas which in many places reach 5,000 meters. About 60 Tertiary sedimentary basins, spread out from Sumatra in the west to Irian Jaya in the east, are identified in Indonesia. So far only 38 basins have been explored and drilled for petroleum and 14 of the are now producing oil and gas. Seventy three percent of these basins are located offshore, about one third of them in the deeper sea, with water depth exceeding 200 m. [[File:Geology indonesia map.jpg|500px|right]] '''Background''' In 1949, R. W van Bemmelen published a compilation of reports and data on the Geology of Indonesia. The book was reprinted in 1970 with no additional data. This book has documented a lot of data and geological understanding before the second world war and only covered onshore geology of Indonesia. W. Hamilton published a book titled Tectonics of the Indonesian Region in 1979 which include offshore seismic data and remote sensing. The Indonesian geologist celebrated the 50th anniversary of R. W. van Bemmelen's book in a conference titled "Tectonics and Sedimentation of Indonesian" in 1999 and published "An Outline of the Geology of Indonesia" the following year (2000). The data and the knowledge on the geology of Indonesia are so much and make it so difficult to compile them in a single book. In 2007 the Wikibook of the Geology of Indonesia was started by converting Än Outline of the Geoloyg of Indonesia"to a digital version. The idea is to include as many geoscientists as possible to keep the information on the geology of Indonesia as good as possible. This online version of the Geology of Indonesia will also give a chance to renew or update the information stored at anytime. # [[/Contributors/]] # [[/Data Source/]] == 1. Introduction == Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state in the world comprising five major islands and about 300 smaller island groups. Altogether there are 13,667 islands and islets of which about 6,000 are inhabited. The archipelago is situated on a crossroad between two oceans, the Pacific and Indian oceans, and bridges two continents, the Asian and Australian. Indonesia has a total area of 9.8 million km<sup>2</sup>, of which more than 7.9 million km<sup>2</sup> are under water. Physiographically, the islands of Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan are attached to the Sunda Shelf of the Asian continent. On this landmass the water depth does not exceed 200 meters. To the east, Irian Jaya and the Aru islands lie on the Sahul Shelf, which are parts of the Australian continent. Located between these two shelves is the island group of Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku and Halmahera. These islands are encircled by deep seas which in many places reach 5,000 meters. About 60 Tertiary sedimentary basins, spread out from Sumatra in the west to Irian Jaya in the east, are identified in Indonesia. So far only 38 basins have been explored and drilled for petroleum and 14 of them are now producing oil and gas. 73 percent of these basins are located offshore, about one third of them in the deeper sea, with water depth exceeding 200 m. # [[/History of geological studies/]] == 2. Tectonic == # [[/Regional Tectonic Framework/]] # [[/Plate Tectonic/]] # [[/Major Suture/]] == 3. Stratigraphy == The stratigraphical knowledge of the Indonesian Archipelago will be summarized in this chapter. A synopsis of the stratigraphy of the Netherlands East Indies has been published by BROUWER (1925) and L. M. R. RUTTEN (1927). In 1938 UMBGROVE gave a comprehensive review of the geological history of the East Indies. A number of important contributions to the stratigraphy which appeared in 1937–1938, not available to UMBGROVE, were summarized by SMIT SIBINGA (1940). L. M. R. RUTTEN (1948) and DE BEAUFORT (1948) reviewed the paleontological work carried out in the Netherlands for the Dutch Overseas Territories during the period 1918–1943. Other important reviews on the stratigraphy of the Indian Archipelago are to be found in: The "MARTIN-Volume" of the "Leidsche Geologische Mededeelingen" (1931), in which a number of authors gives a review of the paleontological and stratigraphical data up to the year 1930; UMBGROVE (1934 b) on theNeogene, and(1935)on thePre-Tertiary; BADINGS (1936) on the Paleogene; STAUFFER (1945) on the stratigraphy of Indonesia; SMITH (1924, 1925) on the stratigraphy of the Philippines; MONTGOMERY, OSBORN and GLAESSNER on the stratigraphy of Eastern New Guinea 1); CHHIBBER (1934) on the stratigraphy of the Andamans and Nicobars. In 1950, P. Marks, published Stratigraphic Lexicon of Indonesia, which is a compilation of formation names in Indonesia. The formation names are sorted in alphabetical order with their description, rough map of the localities, and summarized them in stratigraphic charts. The first Indonesian Stratigraphic Nomenclature guide (Sandi Stratigraphy Indonesia) was published in 1973 by Soejono Martodjojo and Djuhaeni. This book was updated in 1996 and published electronically by the Indonesian Geologist Association. The file is available online in SSI-1996. Many publications related to sequence stratigraphy and seismic stratigraphy in Indonesia were published by the Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA), the Indonesian Geological Association (IAGI)and other professional organizations. A compilation of updated article on biostratigraphy of SE Asia is currently being prepared by the Indonesian Sedimentologists Forum (FOSI), which aim to issue it in 2014. Another key source on the stratigraphy of Indonesia is the Geological Research and Development Centre of Indonesia (GRDC) In 1979, S. Sartono, from the Institute of Technology, Bandung, published a lecture outline in Indonesian, titled Stratigrafi Indonesia with occurrence maps of the stratigraphic units in Indonesia. This book also provide updates on R. W. van Bemmelen's book. For the sake of brevity, in this chapter only some notes will be given on recent advances in our knowledge of the pre-tertiary stratigraphy. For the rest the reader is referred to the regional descriptions. The tertiary and quaternary formations have a much wider distribution than the pre-tertiary rocks. Their stratigraphy is most important in the unraveling of the evolution of the younger mountain systems in this area. Therefore, the stratigraphy of the Tertiary and the Quaternary will be treated at some length in this chapter. # [[The Geology of Indonesia/Stratigraphy/Basement|Basement]] # [[The Geology of Indonesia/Stratigraphy/Paleozoic|Paleozoic]] # [[The Geology of Indonesia/Stratigraphy/Mesozoic|Mesozoic]] # [[The Geology of Indonesia/Stratigraphy/Cenozoic|Cenozoic]] == Regional Geology == # [[/Sumatra/]] # [[/Natuna/]] # [[/Java & Java Sea/]] # [[/Kalimantan/]] # [[/Makassar Strait/]] # [[/Sulawesi Sea/]] # [[/Sulawesi/]] # [[/The lesser Sunda Islands/]] # [[/Halmahera/]] # [[/Banda Arc/]] # [[/Timor/]] # [[/Arafura Sea/]] # [[/Papua/]] == Petroleum Geology == # [[/Sedimentary Basins/]] # [[/Exploration License/]] # [[/Petroleum Issues/]] # [[/Recent Development/]] == Geological Hazards == # [[/Earthquake/]] # [[/Volcanoes/]] # [[/Tsunami/]] # [[/Landslides/]] == Geotourism == # [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_toba Lake Toba] # [[/Ngarai Sianouk/]] # [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krakatau Krakatau] # [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangkuban_Perahu Tangkuban Perahu] {{formatting}} {{Shelves|Geology}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Geology of Indonesia}} {{alphabetical|G}} {{status|25%}} 4u6sw35980ss9qh8hi3hn3amf4wkc7v MediaWiki:Sitenotice 8 135468 4653519 4642416 2026-07-10T19:03:56Z Koavf 16549 Undid revision [[Special:Diff/4642416|4642416]] by [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]]) Functionally closed, should be procedurally closed (seems like it's probably best if it's not by me). 4653519 wikitext text/x-wiki - 6za6z27cqk2qatlebqsiz85czbjf3rd Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance 4 140081 4653532 4653465 2026-07-10T19:15:36Z Koavf 16549 /* Protecting Pages */ Reply 4653532 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) o1ioxxcmh106y2dd80zucwcekrf7b62 4653535 4653532 2026-07-10T20:43:50Z Justtocreateapage 3613403 /* I'm unable to create a page */ new section 4653535 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) == I'm unable to create a page == Hello, I wanted to created the page <nowiki>[[English in Use/Agreement]]</nowiki>. I thought I would use a modified version of a Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language). It's already written like a textbook, so I did some improvements and clicked "published", but I got the error: <nowiki><blockquote>Welcome to Wikibooks!Your edit has triggered an automated filter and has been disallowed. It looks like your edit has added a large amount of content to this page.If you copied the content from another website, please do not add it without rewriting it in your own words. Unless the content is in the public domain (published before 1923), it is almost certainly copyrighted and cannot be added to Wikibooks.If all of the content is your own work and you cannot find anything to link, feel free to ask for the edit to be performed at the reading room. If you have received this message in error, you may report it here.</blockquote></nowiki> What should I do? Can you help me? [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 20:43, 10 July 2026 (UTC) 9snnk9tg1t1tpd4m1n1t5ykhzy1039j 4653536 4653535 2026-07-10T20:44:35Z Justtocreateapage 3613403 /* I'm unable to create a page */ -nowiki 4653536 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) == I'm unable to create a page == Hello, I wanted to created the page [[English in Use/Agreement]]. I thought I would use a modified version of a Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language). It's already written like a textbook, so I did some improvements and clicked "published", but I got the error: <blockquote>Welcome to Wikibooks!Your edit has triggered an automated filter and has been disallowed. It looks like your edit has added a large amount of content to this page.If you copied the content from another website, please do not add it without rewriting it in your own words. Unless the content is in the public domain (published before 1923), it is almost certainly copyrighted and cannot be added to Wikibooks.If all of the content is your own work and you cannot find anything to link, feel free to ask for the edit to be performed at the reading room. If you have received this message in error, you may report it here.</blockquote> What should I do? Can you help me? [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 20:43, 10 July 2026 (UTC) 2xtta593ox7998zap3bcvi8xaqk0tow 4653539 4653536 2026-07-10T20:52:42Z Der-Wir-Ing 1302524 /* I'm unable to create a page */ Reply 4653539 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) == I'm unable to create a page == Hello, I wanted to created the page [[English in Use/Agreement]]. I thought I would use a modified version of a Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language). It's already written like a textbook, so I did some improvements and clicked "published", but I got the error: <blockquote>Welcome to Wikibooks!Your edit has triggered an automated filter and has been disallowed. It looks like your edit has added a large amount of content to this page.If you copied the content from another website, please do not add it without rewriting it in your own words. Unless the content is in the public domain (published before 1923), it is almost certainly copyrighted and cannot be added to Wikibooks.If all of the content is your own work and you cannot find anything to link, feel free to ask for the edit to be performed at the reading room. If you have received this message in error, you may report it here.</blockquote> What should I do? Can you help me? [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 20:43, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :@[[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] An editfilter is preventing your edit. In my opinion, you did not do anything wrong and the filter is wrong, but an admin (=not me) would need to fix it. [[User:Der-Wir-Ing|Der-Wir-Ing]] ([[User talk:Der-Wir-Ing|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Der-Wir-Ing|contribs]]) 20:52, 10 July 2026 (UTC) 6vu3k6iqt2nedwa2qz98vyq6xdq2anp 4653540 4653539 2026-07-10T21:16:01Z Kai Burghardt 153973 /* I'm unable to create a page */ please use [[Help: Importing|import]] feature 4653540 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) == I'm unable to create a page == Hello, I wanted to created the page [[English in Use/Agreement]]. I thought I would use a modified version of a Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language). It's already written like a textbook, so I did some improvements and clicked "published", but I got the error: <blockquote>Welcome to Wikibooks!Your edit has triggered an automated filter and has been disallowed. It looks like your edit has added a large amount of content to this page.If you copied the content from another website, please do not add it without rewriting it in your own words. Unless the content is in the public domain (published before 1923), it is almost certainly copyrighted and cannot be added to Wikibooks.If all of the content is your own work and you cannot find anything to link, feel free to ask for the edit to be performed at the reading room. If you have received this message in error, you may report it here.</blockquote> What should I do? Can you help me? [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 20:43, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :@[[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] An editfilter is preventing your edit. In my opinion, you did not do anything wrong and the filter is wrong, but an admin (=not me) would need to fix it. [[User:Der-Wir-Ing|Der-Wir-Ing]] ([[User talk:Der-Wir-Ing|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Der-Wir-Ing|contribs]]) 20:52, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :: {{re|Justtocreateapage}} As a new user you face harsher requirements. You should make useful edits to Wikibooks first. If you want to use a modified version of a WP article, [[Wikibooks: Requests for import|requesting an import]] is the proper venue. This [[Help: Importing|preserves the edit history]]. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 21:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) trs2i0suz9kioh6d1kqbljgo3cxv8m3 4653541 4653540 2026-07-10T21:39:17Z Justtocreateapage 3613403 /* I'm unable to create a page */ Reply 4653541 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) == I'm unable to create a page == Hello, I wanted to created the page [[English in Use/Agreement]]. I thought I would use a modified version of a Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language). It's already written like a textbook, so I did some improvements and clicked "published", but I got the error: <blockquote>Welcome to Wikibooks!Your edit has triggered an automated filter and has been disallowed. It looks like your edit has added a large amount of content to this page.If you copied the content from another website, please do not add it without rewriting it in your own words. Unless the content is in the public domain (published before 1923), it is almost certainly copyrighted and cannot be added to Wikibooks.If all of the content is your own work and you cannot find anything to link, feel free to ask for the edit to be performed at the reading room. If you have received this message in error, you may report it here.</blockquote> What should I do? Can you help me? [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 20:43, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :@[[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] An editfilter is preventing your edit. In my opinion, you did not do anything wrong and the filter is wrong, but an admin (=not me) would need to fix it. [[User:Der-Wir-Ing|Der-Wir-Ing]] ([[User talk:Der-Wir-Ing|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Der-Wir-Ing|contribs]]) 20:52, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :: {{re|Justtocreateapage}} As a new user you face harsher requirements. You should make useful edits to Wikibooks first. If you want to use a modified version of a WP article, [[Wikibooks: Requests for import|requesting an import]] is the proper venue. This [[Help: Importing|preserves the edit history]]. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 21:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :::Okay, thanks you all. I'll request for an import then [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 21:39, 10 July 2026 (UTC) 0rehpxhl57l9wnkkffwepx3kup9zxj2 4653702 4653541 2026-07-10T21:50:00Z Koavf 16549 /* I'm unable to create a page */ Reply 4653702 wikitext text/x-wiki __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:AN|WB:AA}} {{TOC left}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Reading room/Administrative Assistance/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(14d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 }} {{ombox|type=content|text='''To request a rename or usurpation''', go to the global request page at Meta [[meta:SRUC|here]].<br />''Please do not post those requests here!''}} {{Clear}} Welcome to the '''Administrative Assistance reading room'''. You can request assistance from [[WB:ADMIN|administrators]] for handling a variety of problems here and alert them about problems which may require special actions not normally used during regular content editing. Please be patient as administrators are often quite busy with either their own projects or trying to perform general maintenance and cleanup. You can deal with most vandalism yourself: [[Wikibooks:Dealing with vandalism|fix it]], then [[Wikibooks:Templates/User_notices|warn the user]]. If there is repeated vandalism by one user, lots of vandalism on a single page, or vandalism from many users, tell an admin here, or in [irc://irc.freenode.net/wikibooks #wikibooks] (say <code>!admin</code> to get attention). For more general questions and assistance that doesn't require an administrator, please use the [[WB:HELP|Assistance Reading Room]]. {{clear}} [[Category:Reading room]] == Lisawilliam2 reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Lisawilliam2}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Lisawilliam2/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:11, 29 June 2026 (UTC) : {{done}} by Kittycataclysm. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 23:27, 29 June 2026 (UTC) == Amz.bizistech reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Amz.bizistech}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Amz.bizistech/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:10, 30 June 2026 (UTC) :'''Blocked'''. —[[User:Atcovi|Atcovi]] [[User talk:Atcovi|(Talk]] - [[Special:Contributions/Atcovi|Contribs)]] 12:11, 30 June 2026 (UTC) == Emirati yahzota reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Emirati yahzota}} Long-term abuse, [[:w:Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Muhammad Ali Rajab]] <!-- USERREPORTED:/Emirati yahzota/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:18, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :I deleted their page addition. @[[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] could we get a CU here? Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:28, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Bestdealsautofla reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Bestdealsautofla}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Bestdealsautofla/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Cthrucleaningsolutionso reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Cthrucleaningsolutionso}} advertising <!-- USERREPORTED:/Cthrucleaningsolutionso/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 22:19, 2 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done|Sandbox deleted}} —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) :: The user was blocked indefinitely as a spam-only account. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 01:47, 3 July 2026 (UTC) == Protecting Pages == Hello, Admins, My name is Kayden Swanson, and I have proudly created ''[[The Geoguide]].'' But I would like to remove the ability for fellow users to edit it to prevent vandalism and preserve my prized creation I have made for school. Could you permanently lock it so others cant edit it while I still can? [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 02:41, 6 July 2026 (UTC) :Hi @[[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]]! Unfortunately, that is not an appropriate justification for protecting a page here at Wikibooks per the [[Wikibooks:Protection policy|protection policy]]. Notably, {{tq|"Preemptive full protection of pages is contrary to the open nature of Wikibooks"}}. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:15, 6 July 2026 (UTC) ::NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO okay that's fine [[User:Kayden Swanson|Kayden Swanson]] ([[User talk:Kayden Swanson|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kayden Swanson|contribs]]) 00:26, 8 July 2026 (UTC) ::: I'm sorry, but that's not within the scope of the protection policy. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) :::If you really want a stable version, you can make a PDF of the existing content and link it. See [[Help:Print versions]] and {{tl|Print version}}/{{tl|PDF version}}. ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 19:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) == Prudhvifmsdh reported by MathXplore == * {{userlinks|Prudhvifmsdh}} Spam <!-- USERREPORTED:/Prudhvifmsdh/ --> [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 12:39, 8 July 2026 (UTC) : {{done}}. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 13:07, 8 July 2026 (UTC) == I'm unable to create a page == Hello, I wanted to created the page [[English in Use/Agreement]]. I thought I would use a modified version of a Wikipedia article (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language). It's already written like a textbook, so I did some improvements and clicked "published", but I got the error: <blockquote>Welcome to Wikibooks!Your edit has triggered an automated filter and has been disallowed. It looks like your edit has added a large amount of content to this page.If you copied the content from another website, please do not add it without rewriting it in your own words. Unless the content is in the public domain (published before 1923), it is almost certainly copyrighted and cannot be added to Wikibooks.If all of the content is your own work and you cannot find anything to link, feel free to ask for the edit to be performed at the reading room. If you have received this message in error, you may report it here.</blockquote> What should I do? Can you help me? [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 20:43, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :@[[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] An editfilter is preventing your edit. In my opinion, you did not do anything wrong and the filter is wrong, but an admin (=not me) would need to fix it. [[User:Der-Wir-Ing|Der-Wir-Ing]] ([[User talk:Der-Wir-Ing|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Der-Wir-Ing|contribs]]) 20:52, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :: {{re|Justtocreateapage}} As a new user you face harsher requirements. You should make useful edits to Wikibooks first. If you want to use a modified version of a WP article, [[Wikibooks: Requests for import|requesting an import]] is the proper venue. This [[Help: Importing|preserves the edit history]]. ‑‑[[User:Kai Burghardt|Kai Burghardt]] ([[User talk:Kai Burghardt|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kai Burghardt|contribs]]) 21:15, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :::Okay, thanks you all. I'll request for an import then [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 21:39, 10 July 2026 (UTC) ::::{{done}} ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:50, 10 July 2026 (UTC) ktogxhftto3982nclasticchij3xgl8 Wikibooks:Requests for import 4 140082 4653542 4623535 2026-07-10T21:44:43Z Justtocreateapage 3613403 /* Import request: Agreement in the English Language */ new section 4653542 wikitext text/x-wiki {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Requests for import/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(31d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = }} __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:RFI}} {{TOC left}}{{clear}} === Importing and import uploading === To preserve edit histories and observe the attribution requirements of the licenses, content from our sister projects should be '''imported''' rather than simply pasted into a new module. * [[Wikibooks:Importers|Importers]] can import pages from any of the English-language projects, Simple English Wikibooks, Meta, and Wikispecies. * [[Wikibooks:Administrators|Administrators]], and import uploaders, can import from any wiki (even non-WMF). '''Requests to import''' can be made to help in making or expanding a book, and to move works from other projects that fit [[Wikibooks:What is Wikibooks|Wikibooks' scope]]. * Place requests below and an administrator or importer will try to perform the import promptly. * Note that administrators and importers are not responsible for moving and cleaning up pages. Please watch this page for when the import is complete and take care of the imported page. '''Administrators and importers:''' * Please read [[Help:Importing]] first. * To import a page, go to [[Special:Import]]. * Pages will by default import into <code>Transwiki:Page's name</code>, which can be moved to a new location. * After import, add {{tl|dewikify}} to the page and make a note where the imported page has ended up. * Pages with extremely long edit histories may fail to import. In this case, a single revision which gives attribution to the source wiki will be imported. While this isn't ideal, it should satisfy our [[WB:CC-BY-SA|licensing]]. Note that repeated attempts to import may eventually bring over the history, so if it fails on the first attempt, you might want to try it a few more times. Please see [[phab:17000|T17000]], and ask for it to be resolved sooner. {{Warning|In some cases an import may partially fail and need to be repeated. If this happens, the revisions may be out of sequence in the history so you need to check the current revision is the one you want to use as the base for your book}} === Non-free media uploading === '''Where non-free media is required''' in a book, editors may request an administrator or [[Wikibooks:Uploaders|uploader]] to upload the file by making a request at [[Wikibooks:Files for upload|files for upload]]. {{clear}} =Import and Merge= ''Use this section for imports that need to be "history-merged" with a module that has already been started using copy-paste.'' Add requests using the form: <pre>*[[Project:Page name]] &rarr; [[Target Page]] ~~~~</pre> == Import request: Investiture of the Gods == Hello, coming from ENWS. There is currently at [[s:Portal:Investiture of the Gods]] a page which we think would rather find a home here (at any rate isn't at home in WS). It's a reading guide for a Chinese classic. It lived at [[Investiture of the Gods]] for four years, then was transwikied to Wikisource portal space through [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion/Investiture of the Gods]] in 2011. (WS portal space was not, or at any rate currently is not, a place made for such texts.) I refer you to that discussion and to [[s:Wikisource:Proposed deletions#Portal:Investiture of the Gods]] on the question of whether it really is just a translation or a reading guide and so on. As far as I understand it's in scope for WB. — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 10:57, 25 February 2026 (UTC) :Ping @[[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] as one of the people who take care of this page (from a peek at history). — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 19:00, 14 March 2026 (UTC) ::Hi, would it be okay if I import all pages from that source text on Wikisource? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:47, 14 March 2026 (UTC) :::Import it if you think it's fit for WB, yes. It's not really a source text but more of some sort of commentary AFAIK, but I don't really mind. I am here just to give you all a tip in case you want it, as we're going to delete it on WS's side. — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 20:22, 14 March 2026 (UTC) ::::Pinging @[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] and @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]] for additional input on this matter. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 03:08, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::I agree that from my perspective, it's acceptable here. KittyC is more engaged here than me, so I'll defer to her. If she thinks it's not a good fit, ping me and I'll import to Wikiversity. Thanks. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 06:52, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::@[[User:Koavf|Koavf]]@[[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] Thank you for checking! I actually don't think this is suitable for WB as an annotated text. [[WB:AT]] defines annotated texts as follows: ::::::{{tq|"...An annotated text contains two elements: <br>A copy of a published original primary source text or other established narrative, academic or literary media, available under a Wikibooks-compatible license.<br>Various kinds of study aids for understanding or teaching the text. These annotations may include introductions, explanatory notes, summaries, translations, questions and answers, charts, lists, indices, references, wikilinks, media, etc.<br>In an annotated text the annotations are interwoven with the primary source text in order to make the book more reader-friendly..."}} :::::This text does not contain the original source material—it's a plot synopsis. It also doesn't have significant study aids. :::::As for whether the text belongs at WB but not as an annotated text, I don't personally think that a plot synopsis makes for an instructional text. As such, I don't personally think it has a home here. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:16, 16 March 2026 (UTC) ::::::Pinging @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]] again to the response above. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 14:57, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::::Cool. I'll add it to en.wv. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:02, 17 March 2026 (UTC) == Import request: Agreement in the English Language == Hello, I'd like to request to import https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language(an article from English Wikipedia) to [[English in Use/Agreement]] (a chapter of a book in this project). The Wikipedia article is already written like a textbook, so it needs just some small improments. I believe it's withing the scope of this project since there are some books explaining English grammar here. [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 21:44, 10 July 2026 (UTC) k873gbtzr913zg6dnmqg8sukzijq3da 4653701 4653542 2026-07-10T21:49:13Z Koavf 16549 /* Import request: Agreement in the English Language */ Reply 4653701 wikitext text/x-wiki {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Requests for import/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(31d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = }} __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:RFI}} {{TOC left}}{{clear}} === Importing and import uploading === To preserve edit histories and observe the attribution requirements of the licenses, content from our sister projects should be '''imported''' rather than simply pasted into a new module. * [[Wikibooks:Importers|Importers]] can import pages from any of the English-language projects, Simple English Wikibooks, Meta, and Wikispecies. * [[Wikibooks:Administrators|Administrators]], and import uploaders, can import from any wiki (even non-WMF). '''Requests to import''' can be made to help in making or expanding a book, and to move works from other projects that fit [[Wikibooks:What is Wikibooks|Wikibooks' scope]]. * Place requests below and an administrator or importer will try to perform the import promptly. * Note that administrators and importers are not responsible for moving and cleaning up pages. Please watch this page for when the import is complete and take care of the imported page. '''Administrators and importers:''' * Please read [[Help:Importing]] first. * To import a page, go to [[Special:Import]]. * Pages will by default import into <code>Transwiki:Page's name</code>, which can be moved to a new location. * After import, add {{tl|dewikify}} to the page and make a note where the imported page has ended up. * Pages with extremely long edit histories may fail to import. In this case, a single revision which gives attribution to the source wiki will be imported. While this isn't ideal, it should satisfy our [[WB:CC-BY-SA|licensing]]. Note that repeated attempts to import may eventually bring over the history, so if it fails on the first attempt, you might want to try it a few more times. Please see [[phab:17000|T17000]], and ask for it to be resolved sooner. {{Warning|In some cases an import may partially fail and need to be repeated. If this happens, the revisions may be out of sequence in the history so you need to check the current revision is the one you want to use as the base for your book}} === Non-free media uploading === '''Where non-free media is required''' in a book, editors may request an administrator or [[Wikibooks:Uploaders|uploader]] to upload the file by making a request at [[Wikibooks:Files for upload|files for upload]]. {{clear}} =Import and Merge= ''Use this section for imports that need to be "history-merged" with a module that has already been started using copy-paste.'' Add requests using the form: <pre>*[[Project:Page name]] &rarr; [[Target Page]] ~~~~</pre> == Import request: Investiture of the Gods == Hello, coming from ENWS. There is currently at [[s:Portal:Investiture of the Gods]] a page which we think would rather find a home here (at any rate isn't at home in WS). It's a reading guide for a Chinese classic. It lived at [[Investiture of the Gods]] for four years, then was transwikied to Wikisource portal space through [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion/Investiture of the Gods]] in 2011. (WS portal space was not, or at any rate currently is not, a place made for such texts.) I refer you to that discussion and to [[s:Wikisource:Proposed deletions#Portal:Investiture of the Gods]] on the question of whether it really is just a translation or a reading guide and so on. As far as I understand it's in scope for WB. — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 10:57, 25 February 2026 (UTC) :Ping @[[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] as one of the people who take care of this page (from a peek at history). — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 19:00, 14 March 2026 (UTC) ::Hi, would it be okay if I import all pages from that source text on Wikisource? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:47, 14 March 2026 (UTC) :::Import it if you think it's fit for WB, yes. It's not really a source text but more of some sort of commentary AFAIK, but I don't really mind. I am here just to give you all a tip in case you want it, as we're going to delete it on WS's side. — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 20:22, 14 March 2026 (UTC) ::::Pinging @[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] and @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]] for additional input on this matter. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 03:08, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::I agree that from my perspective, it's acceptable here. KittyC is more engaged here than me, so I'll defer to her. If she thinks it's not a good fit, ping me and I'll import to Wikiversity. Thanks. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 06:52, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::@[[User:Koavf|Koavf]]@[[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] Thank you for checking! I actually don't think this is suitable for WB as an annotated text. [[WB:AT]] defines annotated texts as follows: ::::::{{tq|"...An annotated text contains two elements: <br>A copy of a published original primary source text or other established narrative, academic or literary media, available under a Wikibooks-compatible license.<br>Various kinds of study aids for understanding or teaching the text. These annotations may include introductions, explanatory notes, summaries, translations, questions and answers, charts, lists, indices, references, wikilinks, media, etc.<br>In an annotated text the annotations are interwoven with the primary source text in order to make the book more reader-friendly..."}} :::::This text does not contain the original source material—it's a plot synopsis. It also doesn't have significant study aids. :::::As for whether the text belongs at WB but not as an annotated text, I don't personally think that a plot synopsis makes for an instructional text. As such, I don't personally think it has a home here. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:16, 16 March 2026 (UTC) ::::::Pinging @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]] again to the response above. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 14:57, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::::Cool. I'll add it to en.wv. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:02, 17 March 2026 (UTC) == Import request: Agreement in the English Language == Hello, I'd like to request to import https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language(an article from English Wikipedia) to [[English in Use/Agreement]] (a chapter of a book in this project). The Wikipedia article is already written like a textbook, so it needs just some small improments. I believe it's withing the scope of this project since there are some books explaining English grammar here. [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 21:44, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:49, 10 July 2026 (UTC) onca6yrg8bigq64rmri8nn0ut29cqio 4653969 4653701 2026-07-11T08:10:27Z ArchiverBot 1227662 Bot: Archiving 1 thread (older than 31 days) to [[Wikibooks:Requests for import/Archives/2026/March]] 4653969 wikitext text/x-wiki {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Requests for import/Archives/%(year)d/%(monthname)s |algo = old(31d) |counter = 1 |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 1 |key = }} __NEWSECTIONLINK__ {{Discussion Rooms}} {{shortcut|WB:RFI}} {{TOC left}}{{clear}} === Importing and import uploading === To preserve edit histories and observe the attribution requirements of the licenses, content from our sister projects should be '''imported''' rather than simply pasted into a new module. * [[Wikibooks:Importers|Importers]] can import pages from any of the English-language projects, Simple English Wikibooks, Meta, and Wikispecies. * [[Wikibooks:Administrators|Administrators]], and import uploaders, can import from any wiki (even non-WMF). '''Requests to import''' can be made to help in making or expanding a book, and to move works from other projects that fit [[Wikibooks:What is Wikibooks|Wikibooks' scope]]. * Place requests below and an administrator or importer will try to perform the import promptly. * Note that administrators and importers are not responsible for moving and cleaning up pages. Please watch this page for when the import is complete and take care of the imported page. '''Administrators and importers:''' * Please read [[Help:Importing]] first. * To import a page, go to [[Special:Import]]. * Pages will by default import into <code>Transwiki:Page's name</code>, which can be moved to a new location. * After import, add {{tl|dewikify}} to the page and make a note where the imported page has ended up. * Pages with extremely long edit histories may fail to import. In this case, a single revision which gives attribution to the source wiki will be imported. While this isn't ideal, it should satisfy our [[WB:CC-BY-SA|licensing]]. Note that repeated attempts to import may eventually bring over the history, so if it fails on the first attempt, you might want to try it a few more times. Please see [[phab:17000|T17000]], and ask for it to be resolved sooner. {{Warning|In some cases an import may partially fail and need to be repeated. If this happens, the revisions may be out of sequence in the history so you need to check the current revision is the one you want to use as the base for your book}} === Non-free media uploading === '''Where non-free media is required''' in a book, editors may request an administrator or [[Wikibooks:Uploaders|uploader]] to upload the file by making a request at [[Wikibooks:Files for upload|files for upload]]. {{clear}} =Import and Merge= ''Use this section for imports that need to be "history-merged" with a module that has already been started using copy-paste.'' Add requests using the form: <pre>*[[Project:Page name]] &rarr; [[Target Page]] ~~~~</pre> == Import request: Agreement in the English Language == Hello, I'd like to request to import https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agreement_in_the_English_language(an article from English Wikipedia) to [[English in Use/Agreement]] (a chapter of a book in this project). The Wikipedia article is already written like a textbook, so it needs just some small improments. I believe it's withing the scope of this project since there are some books explaining English grammar here. [[User:Justtocreateapage|Justtocreateapage]] ([[User talk:Justtocreateapage|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Justtocreateapage|contribs]]) 21:44, 10 July 2026 (UTC) :{{done}} ―[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''<span style="color:black">v</span>f</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 21:49, 10 July 2026 (UTC) esm1yo4ceh5bpokdvo234oj9k4bq5t5 Wikibooks:Policies and guidelines 4 140096 4653526 4529129 2026-07-10T19:09:37Z Koavf 16549 new key for [[Category:Wikibooks policies and guidelines]]: " " using [[Help:Gadget-HotCat|HotCat]] 4653526 wikitext text/x-wiki {{shortcut|WB:PAG}} This serves as a guide to the '''policies and guidelines''' that are generally accepted and considered important — even essential — by the project's founders and community. These help us to work towards our goal: ''Developing [[w:gratis|free]], [[w:open content|open content]] textbooks, manuals, and other texts.'' It is important to note that at least some of these policies are still evolving as Wikibooks grows and develops. The use of "must", "should", "must not", "should not", and "may" on this page are used consistently with RFC 2119. == Definition of terms == ; Policy : A policy is a set of rules that must be followed at all times. ; Guideline : A guideline is a set of rules that should be followed and only ignored in particular circumstances. ; [[:Category:Wikibooks draft policies and guidelines|Draft]] : Referring to a policy or guideline, this means that it has been suggested by a user and is still undergoing discussion as to whether it should be made official or rejected. Proposed policies and guidelines may either become '''official''' or '''rejected''', depending on the eventual outcome of the discussion. ; Must : This word, or the terms '''required''' or '''shall''', means that the definition is an absolute requirement of the policy or guideline. ; Should : This word, or the adjective '''recommended''', means that there may exist valid reasons in particular circumstances to ignore a particular guideline, but the full implications must be understood and carefully weighed before choosing a different course. ; Official : Referring to a policy or guideline, this means that it is currently in effect, and enforced by other contributors. A policy is a set of rules that must be followed. A guideline is a set of rules that should be followed. ; [[:Category:Wikibooks obsolete policies and guidelines|Obsolete]] : Referring to a policy or guideline, this means that it has been superseded by a new guideline or policy. The new version should be used, and the old version is only kept for historical reasons. ; [[:Category:Wikibooks rejected policies and guidelines|Rejected]] : Referring to a policy or guideline proposal, this means that it has been rejected by the community for a variety of different reasons. It, along with the proposal discussion, is kept to remind people of the reasons for the rejection and to prevent it from being reproposed for reasons rejected in previous discussion. == Procedures == === Formulating policies and guidelines === All [[m:Wikimedia|Wikimedia]] projects share a set of [[m:Founding_principles|core founding principles]]. Wikibooks policies and guidelines are formulated for the most part by habit and consensus. This takes place in discussions on [[Wikibooks:Talk page|talk pages]], the [[WB:RR|Reading Room]] and the [http://mail.wikipedia.org/mailman/listinfo/textbook-l Textbook-l] [[Wikibooks:Mailing lists|email list]]. Once a ground for consensus exists on a topic that Wikibooks would benefit to have as an official guideline or policy, a document is created and discussed in specifics. To propose a new policy or guideline document, add a new entry to the [[#Proposals|Proposals]] section below. The page should be in the Wikibooks namespace. Create the new page, add the {{tl|draft}} template and write up the proposal. So long as the policy is proposed, other users and members may change the text of the proposal to reflect the state of the discussion and compromises about the proposal. After proposed policy has been reviewed and discussed by other users and work on it is considered finished, it may be accepted by community consensus. For specifics about what consensus means, and how it is achieved, see the [[Wikibooks:Decision making|decision making guidelines]] Even a page which is already an official policy or guideline can be modified to keep it in line with consensus or to make it more coherent. Policies and guidelines are generally open to being edited by any established user, but controversial changes are likely to be reverted. Anyone who thinks there is a problem with an existing policy or guideline is welcome to discuss it. Still, except for non-normative edits, changes must be proposed on the guideline discussion page and accepted by the community per [[Wikibooks:Decision making]]. === Enforcing policies === ''You'' are a Wikibooks editor. Wikibooks lacks an editor-in-chief or a central, top-down mechanism whereby the day-to-day progress on this instructional resource is monitored and approved. Instead, active participants monitor [[special:Recentchanges|recent changes]] and make copyedits and corrections to the content and format problems they see. [[Wikibooks:Wikibookians|The participants]] are both writers ''and'' editors. == Policies == Official Wikibooks policies are identified with the {{tl|policy}} template at the top of the page, which includes the page in [[:Category:Wikibooks policies]]. The current list of official policies follows: <div style="column-count:3"> <categorytree mode="all">Wikibooks policies</categorytree> </div> == Guidelines == Official Wikibooks guidelines are identified with the {{tl|guideline}} template at the top of the page, which includes the page in [[:Category:Wikibooks guidelines]]. The current list of official guidelines follows: <categorytree mode="all">Wikibooks guidelines</categorytree> == Drafts == The following are draft policies and guidelines that still need an official community decision: <div style="column-count:3"> <categorytree mode="all">Wikibooks draft policies and guidelines</categorytree> </div> {{Wikibooks policies and guidelines}} [[Category:Wikibooks policies and guidelines| ]] [[es:Wikilibros:Políticas y orientaciones]] [[fr:Wikilivres:Règles et recommandations]] [[hr:Wikiknjige:Pravila]] [[it:Wikibooks:Politiche e linee guida]] [[ja:Wikibooks:基本方針とガイドライン]] [[pt:Wikibooks:Políticas]] sdmd4h0pe5jy4mp3by4carhfx1wd63t Category:Wikibooks Chess participants 14 153279 4653527 4618863 2026-07-10T19:10:13Z Koavf 16549 removed [[Category:Wikibooks]]; added [[Category:WikiProjects]] using [[Help:Gadget-HotCat|HotCat]] 4653527 wikitext text/x-wiki To join this group, you have two methods: #simply add the "userbox for Wikibooks Chess" by including <code><nowiki>{{User Chess}}</nowiki></code> in your User page. #If you do not like userboxes, you can still join by putting <code><nowiki>[[Category:Wikibooks Chess participants|PUT_YOUR_USERID_HERE]]</nowiki></code> on your User page. :The strange PUT_YOUR_USERID_HERE is necessary so that the software sorts you in the right letter. For example if a user called "Jimbo" incorrectly puts <code><nowiki>[[Category:Wikibooks Chess participants]]</nowiki></code> on its user page he will be listed under the letter "U" because the software will recognise him as "User:Jimbo", but if he correctly puts <code><nowiki>[[Category:Wikibooks Chess participants|Jimbo]]</nowiki></code>, the software will correctly recognise him as "User:Jimbo" [[Category:WikiProjects|Chess participants]] e9ksqpoujdpez559a6t4gx4fsvn1clh Talk:Programming:C simple input and output 1 154322 4653961 4599749 2026-07-11T04:03:57Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Simple input]] to [[Talk:C programming/Simple input]] 4653961 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Simple input]] 0y3gskga70xomtn6h6wg3bobffb4u7n Pascal Programming/Getting started 0 166046 4653489 4087148 2026-07-10T15:09:37Z ~2026-39008-86 3613326 typos 4653489 wikitext text/x-wiki Welcome to the WikiBook '''Pascal Programming'''! This book will teach you to program in Pascal, a high-level, human-readable programming language. ''High-level'' means there are abstract concepts, such as ''data types'' or ''control structures'', which the microprocessor does not know, but the programming language provides this abstraction level. ''Human-readable'' refers to the fact that a program written in Pascal can be read ''like'' (very simple, “Neanderthalian”) English phrases. This makes Pascal particularly suitable for beginners and we hope you will appreciate this. == Prerequisites == In order to successfully use this book you need to already know a few things: * What are and how to access and use files that are stored on a file system. * How to install software on your {{abbr|OS|operating system}}. * How to edit ''plain text'' files using a text file editor such as [[Learning the vi Editor|<syntaxhighlight lang="text" inline>vi(1)</syntaxhighlight>]], [[w:Microsoft Notepad|{{abbr|MS|Microsoft}}&nbsp;Notepad]] or [[Emacs|<syntaxhighlight lang="text" inline>emacs(1)</syntaxhighlight>]]. (Note: A&nbsp;[[LibreOffice]] or [[Microsoft Office|Word]] document is ''not'' a plain text file.) * What is and how to use a {{abbr|CLI|command-line interface}}, e. g. [[w:Cmd.exe|<syntaxhighlight lang="text" inline>cmd.exe</syntaxhighlight>]] on {{abbr|MS|MircoSoft}}&nbsp;Windows or the [[w:Linux console|Linux terminal]].<!-- This prerequisite is required to successfully understand and use readLn/writeLn. We will not explain how to use a console in this book, it would be too much. --> Covering these topics would be out of this book’s scope. Pascal only assumes there ''is'' some user interface (i. e. a console) and there ''are'' external entities (this usually refers to “files”). Every system, however, implements them differently, so we cannot explain them to you, nor can we say at what point you have learned enough to continue with this book. == Required software == Pascal is a compiled language. That means, you need a tool, a computer program, that “translates” the human-readable Pascal source code into a sequence of Bytes the microprocessor understands. This work is done by a '''compiler'''. Prior the 2000s there were ''many'' different compilers, but (as in 2020) there are primarily three Pascal compilers: <!-- alphabetical listing --> * Delphi, * Free Pascal Compiler (FPC), and * GNU Pascal Compiler (GPC). The authors suggest FPC, due to its availability (on many platforms, and free of charge) and continuous progress in development. This table provides more information about each compiler: {| class="wikitable" |- ! compiler ! homepage ! platform ! license ! extra |- | [[Delphi Programming|Delphi]] | [https://www.embarcadero.com/products/delphi Embarcadero.com] | Windows | proprietary | commercial product, with {{abbr|IDE|integrated development environment}} |- | [[w:Free Pascal|Free&nbsp;Pascal]] | [https://www.FreePascal.org/ FreePascal.org] | many | [[w:GNU General Public License|GPL]] | supports multiple dialects |- | [[w:GNU Pascal|GNU&nbsp;Pascal]] | [https://www.GNU-Pascal.de/gpc/h-index.html GNU-Pascal.de] | All that {{abbr|GCC|GNU C compiler}} supports | [[w:GNU General Public License|GPL]] | considered abandoned since the 2010 |- | Pascal-P | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/pascal-p6/ SourceForge] | | Public domain |ISO 7185 Level 0 only, must be compiled manually |+ comparison of current Pascal compilers (''current'' means ''since 2000'') |} <small>[<nowiki/>[https://www.freepascal.org/faq.var#FPandGNUPascal Another comparison of Free Pascal and GNU Pascal]]</small> Furthermore, you will need a program you can edit source code files with. This can be any editor (that can edit and save plain text files), but there are also dedicated suites available for programming purposes. These are called ''integrated development environments'', in short IDE. Such {{abbr|IDEs|integrated development environments}} provide means to write, compile, and run programs, and possibly find programming mistakes, all in one single program. Some {{abbr|IDEs|integrated development environments}} are: * Delphi * <syntaxhighlight lang="text" inline>fp(1)</syntaxhighlight>, a text-mode {{abbr|IDE|integrated development environmens}} that is shipped with the {{abbr|FPC|Free Pascal compiler}} * [[w:Lazarus (IDE)|Lazarus]], which is related to the {{abbr|FPC|Free Pascal compiler}}, but more colorful An {{abbr|IDE|integrated development environment}} may be overwhelming if you are just starting to program. In this case we suggest to stick to simple editors, such as [[w:GNU nano|<syntaxhighlight lang="text" inline>nano(1)</syntaxhighlight>]]. It has an easy to understand user guidance system allowing you to delve in into programming right away. A ''temporary'' alternative for your first steps may also be websites: * [https://www.onlinegdb.com/?lang-select=pascal online GDB] * tutorials point: <nowiki>https://www.tutorialspoint.com/compile_pascal_online.php</nowiki> [no link, because this is site is blacklisted] * [https://www.jdoodle.com/execute-pascal-online/ jDoodle] * [https://rextester.com/l/pascal_online_compiler RexTester] * [https://ideone.com/l/pascal-fpc IDE one] All of these are powered by the {{abbr|FPC|Free Pascal compiler}}. Be aware of what you enter on those sites. == Working with this book == {{Wikiversity|Pascal Programming}} We suggest to create a dedicated folder for your programming exercises. Keep your source code files until you have finished with this book. If your folder becomes cluttered with all kinds of files, the {{abbr|FPC|Free Pascal compiler}} comes with the tool <syntaxhighlight lang="text" inline>delp(1)</syntaxhighlight> that can delete all (Pascal-related) files ''other than'' source code files. {{Auto navigation|Beginning}} d6colevwwdf36zljlae4qey2dg72tm8 Category:Book:The Geology of Indonesia 14 198361 4653522 3358761 2026-07-10T19:05:43Z Koavf 16549 4653522 wikitext text/x-wiki {{book category header}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Geology of Indonesia}} {{BookCat}} go0wnw53cnno5xvpe7bnks6vvbi6e9f Template:AdminsChart 10 237317 4653523 4618992 2026-07-10T19:07:05Z Koavf 16549 4653523 wikitext text/x-wiki <!-- Based off [[m:Template:StewardsChart]] --> <timeline> ImageSize = width:1008 height:auto barincrement:18 PlotArea = right:20 left:20 top:5 bottom:50 Legend = position:bottom orientation:horizontal Colors = id:bg value:rgb(0.9,0.9,1) id:major value:black id:minor value:rgb(0.8,0.8,0.8) id:text value:black id:header value:rgb(0.6,0.6,0.9) id:htext value:white id:current value:rgb(0.5,0.9,0.5) legend:Current id:former value:rgb(0.8,0.8,0.8) legend:Former BackgroundColors = canvas:bg TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2004 till:01/09/2026 ScaleMajor = gridcolor:major unit:year increment:1 start:01/01/2004 ScaleMinor = gridcolor:minor unit:month increment:1 start:01/01/2004 BarData = Bar:HAdmins Barset:SAdmins Bar:HCrats Barset:SCrats Bar:HCUs Barset:SCUs PlotData = width:15 textcolor:text bar:HAdmins color:header textcolor:htext width:20 shift:(-95,-5) fontsize:10 from:01/01/2004 till:end text:"Administrators" bar:HCrats color:header textcolor:htext width:20 shift:(-95,-5) fontsize:10 from:01/01/2004 till:end text:"Bureaucrats" bar:HCUs color:header textcolor:htext width:20 shift:(-95,-5) fontsize:10 from:01/01/2004 till:end text:"CheckUsers" barset:SAdmins shift:(5,-5) anchor:from fontsize:10 color:former from:01/01/2004 till:05/08/2007 text:"[[User:Karl Wick|Karl Wick]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:06/05/2008 text:"[[User:Brion VIBBER|Brion VIBBER]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:21/12/2006 text:"[[User:TUF-KAT|TUF-KAT]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:21/12/2006 text:"[[User:Dysprosia|Dysprosia]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Cyp|Cyp]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Eclecticology|Eclecticology]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Maveric149|Maveric149]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:ThomasStrohmann|ThomasStrohmann]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:21/04/2007 text:"[[User:Marshman|Marshman]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:07/02/2008 text:"[[User:Theresa knott|Theresa knott]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:06/05/2008 text:"[[User:Daniel Mayer|Daniel Mayer]]" color:former from:01/01/2004 till:27/12/2008 text:"[[User:AdRiley|AdRiley]]" color:former from:23/03/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Perl|Perl]]" color:former from:04/04/2004 till:15/03/2006 text:"[[User:Karen Johnson|Karen Johnson]]" color:former from:31/05/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Traroth|Traroth]]" color:former from:16/06/2004 till:15/03/2006 text:"[[User:Reytan|Reytan]]" color:former from:16/06/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Furrykef|Furrykef]]" color:former from:16/06/2004 till:27/11/2007 text:"[[User:Guanaco|Guanaco]]" color:former from:09/08/2004 till:23/01/2010 text:"[[User:Gentgeen|Gentgeen]]" color:former from:25/10/2004 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Yann|Yann]]" color:former from:17/01/2005 till:05/08/2007 text:"[[User:Mshonle|Mshonle]]" color:former from:01/02/2005 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Andreas Ipp|Andreas Ipp]]" color:former from:22/03/2005 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Frazzydee|Frazzydee]]" color:former from:23/04/2005 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Omegatron|Omegatron]]" color:former from:24/04/2005 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:The bellman|The bellman]]" color:former from:24/04/2005 till:21/12/2006 text:"[[User:KelvSYC|KelvSYC]]" color:former from:30/06/2005 till:21/12/2006 text:"[[User:Aya|Aya]]" color:former from:30/07/2005 till:01/11/2006 text:"[[User:Geocachernemesis|Geocachernemesis]]" color:former from:08/08/2005 till:11/11/2008 text:"[[User:Garrett|Garrett]]" color:former from:13/08/2005 till:11/11/2008 text:"[[User:AlbertCahalan|AlbertCahalan]]" color:former from:23/08/2005 till:23/08/2009 text:"[[User:Cspurrier|Cspurrier]]" color:former from:23/08/2005 till:23/08/2009 text:"[[User:Robert Horning|Robert Horning]]" color:former from:01/09/2005 till:11/11/2008 text:"[[User:Uncle G|Uncle G]]" color:former from:03/10/2005 till:23/12/2009 text:"[[User:Derbeth|Derbeth]]" color:former from:12/10/2005 till:23/10/2009 text:"[[User:Whiteknight|Whiteknight]]" color:former from:22/10/2005 till:07/02/2008 text:"[[User:Ђорђе Д. 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2026-07-11T04:03:44Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/GObject]] to [[C programming/GObject]] 4653936 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/GObject]] flzlio7asopf4vakax8070aailobch9 Talk:C Programming/C99 Reference 1 258311 4653938 3259858 2026-07-11T04:03:45Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Standard library reference]] to [[Talk:C programming/Standard library reference]] 4653938 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Standard library reference]] 5bieet3bnqm0sgi924mq6btd7me4w4w C Programming/C99 Reference/assert() 0 258317 4653728 3224649 2026-07-11T04:02:05Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/assert.h/assert]] to [[C programming/assert.h/assert]] 4653728 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/assert.h/assert]] mpmc3gebclbbl94o57tdv4f0p9ipzkh C Programming/C99 Reference/assert.h 0 258318 4653729 3224647 2026-07-11T04:02:05Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/assert.h]] to [[C programming/assert.h]] 4653729 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/assert.h]] 3glgm1vy2o4fmv1eljbp0soqeelqzht C Programming/C99 Reference/math.h 0 258320 4653730 3224651 2026-07-11T04:02:06Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/math.h]] to [[C programming/math.h]] 4653730 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/math.h]] t6b5c8n79494vojaqcb92wz8c10yehq C Programming/C99 Reference/math.h/atan 0 258321 4653731 3224653 2026-07-11T04:02:06Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/math.h/atan]] to [[C programming/math.h/atan]] 4653731 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/math.h/atan]] iwf35iwmwet5md9po22oych6ehhsmx7 C Programming/C99 Reference/wchar.h/mbrlen 0 258322 4653741 3224663 2026-07-11T04:02:11Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] 4653741 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] gujzdn72bsuv77vdm0u52auql90vxkb C Programming/C99 Reference/stddef.h 0 258323 4653733 3224655 2026-07-11T04:02:07Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stddef.h]] to [[C programming/stddef.h]] 4653733 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stddef.h]] o9f7wstgbz4i11octcs8ztk9i2vrpiu C Programming/C99 Reference/stdlib.h 0 258324 4653734 3224656 2026-07-11T04:02:08Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h]] 4653734 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h]] g1ee2x1usa7dv2272y19z7w65qljarh C Programming/C99 Reference/string.h 0 258326 4653735 3224657 2026-07-11T04:02:08Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h]] to [[C programming/string.h]] 4653735 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h]] fmth026ponaix1vo3aod6j84bhtj9ht C Programming/C99 Reference/string.h/mempcpy 0 258327 4653736 2194804 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programming/wctype.h]] 4653746 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wctype.h]] e89571zpjg9to0uy1uumroxlyxrhjkb C Programming/C99 Reference/wctype.h/iswdigit 0 258334 4653747 3224673 2026-07-11T04:02:14Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wctype.h/iswdigit]] to [[C programming/wctype.h/iswdigit]] 4653747 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wctype.h/iswdigit]] qe54chlhthqzlx09byljkeofgvwl8bn C Programming/C Reference/atan 0 258357 4653755 3224652 2026-07-11T04:02:18Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/math.h/atan]] to [[C programming/math.h/atan]] 4653755 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/math.h/atan]] iwf35iwmwet5md9po22oych6ehhsmx7 C Programming/C Reference/mbrlen 0 258385 4653784 3224664 2026-07-11T04:02:32Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] 4653784 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] gujzdn72bsuv77vdm0u52auql90vxkb C Programming/C Reference/labs 0 258387 4653772 3224654 2026-07-11T04:02:27Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/math.h/labs]] to [[C programming/math.h/labs]] 4653772 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/math.h/labs]] 23hiw4339knv4c4atdn9p128nvg05a8 C Programming/nonstandard/mempcpy 0 258389 4653919 2194809 2026-07-11T04:03:36Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/C Reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] to [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] 4653919 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] dp99wgqda89vi37meefmaf0pzs720c8 C Programming/C Reference/strxfrm 0 258391 4653863 3224659 2026-07-11T04:03:10Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strxfrm]] to [[C programming/string.h/strxfrm]] 4653863 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strxfrm]] goqwqtp3t3iaige8ae70oiiqh5xqv2v C Programming/C Reference/fgetws 0 258394 4653768 3224662 2026-07-11T04:02:25Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/fgetws]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/fgetws]] 4653768 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/fgetws]] dhuxd2wjal5im1a7sf7x8xnx06lbpma C Programming/C Reference/wcscat 0 258396 4653881 3224666 2026-07-11T04:03:18Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/wcscat]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/wcscat]] 4653881 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/wcscat]] 3xm3lzf6j57pcz6e58b5c7wj9itu4lc C Programming/C9Reference/wcscmp 0 258399 4653748 3224668 2026-07-11T04:02:14Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/wcscmp]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/wcscmp]] 4653748 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/wcscmp]] no50iv9bv5fxx6364m54kkbx6ayjhhf C Programming/C99 Reference/wchar.h/wcscpy 0 258400 4653744 3224670 2026-07-11T04:02:13Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing 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Reference/string.h/mempcpy 0 258576 4653845 2193936 2026-07-11T04:03:01Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/C Reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] to [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] 4653845 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] dp99wgqda89vi37meefmaf0pzs720c8 C Programming/C Reference/mempcpy 0 258577 4653785 2194817 2026-07-11T04:02:33Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/C Reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] to [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] 4653785 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/mempcpy]] dp99wgqda89vi37meefmaf0pzs720c8 C Programming/C Reference/string.h/memccpy 0 258578 4653844 2193941 2026-07-11T04:03:01Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/C Reference/nonstandard/memccpy]] to [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/memccpy]] 4653844 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/C reference/nonstandard/memccpy]] tnoe9uk9xvwo8wozkhhql4m02l2ihai C Programming/C Reference/alloc.h 0 258580 4653751 3348236 2026-07-11T04:02:16Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/MS Windows Reference/alloc.h]] to [[C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] 4653751 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] psj93r6u41e1lmendvqaqwotn00q3wk C Programming/C Reference/nonstandard/alloc.h 0 258588 4653786 3348238 2026-07-11T04:02:33Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/MS Windows Reference/alloc.h]] to [[C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] 4653786 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] psj93r6u41e1lmendvqaqwotn00q3wk C Programming/C Reference/conio.h 0 258598 4653763 3348237 2026-07-11T04:02:22Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/MS Windows Reference/conio.h]] to [[C programming/MS Windows reference/conio.h]] 4653763 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/MS Windows reference/conio.h]] sknwaeoq3yzo08jowpkqte1ow42j9lt C Programming/C file input and output 0 260111 4653886 3372772 2026-07-11T04:03:21Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Stream IO]] to [[C programming/Stream IO]] 4653886 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Stream IO]] tp3zb05m7c07wsimeaeivarb808ddzr C Programming/POSIX Reference/spawn.h 0 291458 4653897 3348242 2026-07-11T04:03:26Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/spawn]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/spawn]] 4653897 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/spawn]] 5xnmswiyw7vj6vm2ye4b7zuy7wvy8zt C Programming/C Reference/ctype.d 0 292039 4653764 3224650 2026-07-11T04:02:23Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/ctype.h]] to [[C programming/ctype.h]] 4653764 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/ctype.h]] 1a35k3v0lbwuais08zkb2xfgxbrqw2a RAC Attack - Oracle Cluster Database at Home/RAC Attack 12c/Create Database 0 292943 4653716 2552804 2026-07-10T23:39:57Z ~2026-39027-12 3612979 * **Check Active Devices:****Urgent Security Inquiry: Request for Advanced Protection and Investigation into Potential Location Tracking** 4653716 wikitext text/x-wiki <noinclude><ref>{{Citation |title=Nixon v. Nixon |date=2014-07-29 |url=https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.23769329.7 |work=Chasing Shadows |pages=25–37 |access-date=2026-07-10 |publisher=University of Virginia Press |isbn=978-0-8139-3664-2}}</ref> {{Sidebox|{{Admin/Nixon>1HonorX9D*>}}|{{Spammer/Hacker/third-party_app>All-siteb-bocked}} <<Auto/crack*ip address on this devices>>}} </noinclude> <ol> <li><big>Run the '''Database Configuration Assistant''':</big></li> [oracle@collabn1 ~]$ '''/u01/app/oracle/product/12.1.0/dbhome_1/bin/dbca ''' <li><big>The splash screen appears.</big></li> [[File:RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Splash.PNG|RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Splash]] <li><big>Select '''Create Database''' and click '''Next'''.</big></li> [[File:RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Database Operation.PNG|RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Database Operation]] <li><big>Select '''Create a database with default configuration'''.</big></li> <big>Global Database Name: '''RAC.racattack'''</big> <big>Storage Type: '''Automatic Storage Management (ASM)'''</big> <big>Database Files Location: '''+DATA'''</big> <big>Fast Recovery Area: '''+FRA'''</big> <big>Database Character Set: '''AL32UTF8 - Unicode UTF-8 Universal character set'''</big> <big>Administrative password: '''racattack'''</big> <big>Check '''Create As Container Database'''</big> <big>Pluggable Database Name: '''PDB''' (*)</big> {{warning|<big>(*) There are a large number of differences between a Container Database (CDB) and a standard Database (non-CDB). If you are not ready to experiment with too many new technologies together, just leave unchecked '''Create As Container Database'''</big>.}} <big>Click '''Next'''.</big> [[File:RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Creation mode.PNG|RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Creation mode]] <li><big>A warning is shown because the password is weak. Click '''Yes''' to continue.</big></li> <li><big>The prerequisite checks may fail due to space requirements. It's safe to ignore by checking '''Ignore all'''.</big></li> <big>Click '''Next'''.</big> [[File:RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Prerequisite checks.PNG|RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Prerequisite checks]] <li><big>Review the summary page and click '''Finish'''.</big></li> [[File:RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Summary.PNG|RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Summary]] <li><big>The database creation is finished. Click '''Exit''', then '''Close'''.</big></li> [[File:RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Database Created.PNG|RA-Oracle_RAC_12101-DBCA Database Created]] </ol> {{RA/NAV|Install Database Software|Node Fencing}} {{BookCat}} 0vvjrvqukqlgqspto3uu7kmglbpy1zg C Programming/Reference Tables 0 384305 4653900 3228320 2026-07-11T04:03:27Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Language Reference]] to [[C programming/Language reference]] 4653900 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Language reference]] nrscr7h1aipv4n6dsr89ichq2waduiz C Programming/C Reference 0 384307 4653750 3259855 2026-07-11T04:02:16Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Standard library reference]] to [[C programming/Standard library reference]] 4653750 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Standard library reference]] j9p35qkhanvdgy5yr4jq2sxqjxeg5it Talk:C Programming/C Reference 1 384308 4653940 3259859 2026-07-11T04:03:47Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double 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text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/complex.h]] 96k6yyxneux4t9pu7ivo51gdfu6mq34 Talk:C Programming/C Reference/complex.h 1 384342 4653941 3222525 2026-07-11T04:03:47Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/complex.h]] to [[Talk:C programming/complex.h]] 4653941 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/complex.h]] 6tp4fik54reha70ev3p0cdixh0pq4c5 C Programming/C Reference/ctype.h 0 384343 4653765 3222527 2026-07-11T04:02:23Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/ctype.h]] to [[C programming/ctype.h]] 4653765 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/ctype.h]] 1a35k3v0lbwuais08zkb2xfgxbrqw2a C Programming/C Reference/errno.h 0 384346 4653766 3222531 2026-07-11T04:02:24Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/errno.h]] to [[C programming/errno.h]] 4653766 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/errno.h]] t6e2ilgpm6w0m4adwjejtamf777m8ww C Programming/C Reference/fenv.h 0 384352 4653767 3222539 2026-07-11T04:02:24Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/fenv.h]] to [[C programming/fenv.h]] 4653767 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/fenv.h]] lcglewkvc5oxebqu39726myvs9r6h7o C Programming/C Reference/float.h 0 384356 4653769 3222545 2026-07-11T04:02:25Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/float.h]] to [[C programming/float.h]] 4653769 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/float.h]] 11ef1ebqnyb6cc09ffqucb0bl2gti0x C Programming/C Reference/inttypes.h 0 384357 4653770 3222547 2026-07-11T04:02:26Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/inttypes.h]] to [[C programming/inttypes.h]] 4653770 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/inttypes.h]] cf4ihp7m32gusu9w90dj88qzv3tptkk Talk:C Programming/C Reference/inttypes.h 1 384358 4653942 3222549 2026-07-11T04:03:48Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/inttypes.h]] to [[Talk:C programming/inttypes.h]] 4653942 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/inttypes.h]] jg9w8gw6w5gcyulomr3wi6mpgqxnzww C Programming/C Reference/iso646.h 0 384359 4653771 3222551 2026-07-11T04:02:26Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/iso646.h]] to [[C programming/iso646.h]] 4653771 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/iso646.h]] hanrpkqsv8e28yhj4isrknx4cydndjt C Programming/C Reference/limits.h 0 384360 4653773 3222553 2026-07-11T04:02:27Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/limits.h]] to [[C programming/limits.h]] 4653773 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/limits.h]] aq2btht0afgqofae8yj2nch6hjib8qx C Programming/C Reference/locale.h 0 384361 4653774 3222556 2026-07-11T04:02:28Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/locale.h]] to [[C programming/locale.h]] 4653774 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/locale.h]] nnzwi3cxh4ssq46k1fkvifwwvwlex0h C Programming/C 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programming/tgmath.h]] 4653864 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/tgmath.h]] 321v2h0csd1lbmx2nev8evis9a34emi Talk:C Programming/C Reference/tgmath.h 1 384378 4653943 3222593 2026-07-11T04:03:48Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/tgmath.h]] to [[Talk:C programming/tgmath.h]] 4653943 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/tgmath.h]] n10yh1p1akycjgi8ysg0kn58e3b0wl2 C Programming/C Reference/time.h 0 384379 4653865 3222595 2026-07-11T04:03:11Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/time.h]] to [[C programming/time.h]] 4653865 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/time.h]] 6h4zbze73eo5yupbarm34wu77ewak7t C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h 0 384380 4653871 3222598 2026-07-11T04:03:14Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h]] to [[C programming/wchar.h]] 4653871 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h]] 4cuov7z49p3vqxpausd2pr7a79vqt75 C Programming/C 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to [[C programming/stdio.h/tmpfile]] 4653823 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdio.h/tmpfile]] mqj6xe2iadg78tuf3345hnyq39av383 C Programming/C Reference/stdio.h/ungetc 0 384446 4653824 3222995 2026-07-11T04:02:51Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdio.h/ungetc]] to [[C programming/stdio.h/ungetc]] 4653824 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdio.h/ungetc]] dv8ffu3k39ncq34fofowmec418y0ke6 C Programming/C Reference/stdio.h/vwprintf 0 384447 4653825 3222997 2026-07-11T04:02:52Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdio.h/vwprintf]] to [[C programming/stdio.h/vwprintf]] 4653825 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdio.h/vwprintf]] ju49emp3hc7gllx7h72t89fq509ubyu C Programming/C Reference/stdio.h/wprintf 0 384448 4653826 3222999 2026-07-11T04:02:52Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdio.h/wprintf]] to [[C programming/stdio.h/wprintf]] 4653826 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdio.h/wprintf]] s0n2ligl9mlf71t603dor83jj378iy8 C Programming/C Reference/stdio.h/wscanf 0 384449 4653827 3223001 2026-07-11T04:02:53Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdio.h/wscanf]] to [[C programming/stdio.h/wscanf]] 4653827 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdio.h/wscanf]] d4k7drjm4xwnxjf5hyrald9mcpk55tr C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/abort 0 384450 4653829 3223003 2026-07-11T04:02:54Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/abort]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/abort]] 4653829 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/abort]] ca1dbwhl9jwlmufie2llaf6by7ffl1v C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/abs 0 384451 4653830 3223005 2026-07-11T04:02:54Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/abs]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/abs]] 4653830 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/abs]] 0qq74stf33dxai2ajiex26lf7l5bc10 C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/atexit 0 384452 4653831 3223007 2026-07-11T04:02:55Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/atexit]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/atexit]] 4653831 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/atexit]] 63i8j1uxtxxdqr9ok1aqshljg5n603t C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/atof 0 384453 4653832 3223009 2026-07-11T04:02:55Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/atof]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/atof]] 4653832 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/atof]] bqbz4iwryebdwy4zcpr691ozrnuull4 C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/atoi 0 384454 4653833 3223011 2026-07-11T04:02:56Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/atoi]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/atoi]] 4653833 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/atoi]] 510t3vtx1h7vbe4lizpkwklz3xpz26r C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/bsearch 0 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programming/stdlib.h/strtol]] 4653841 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/strtol]] dswj3158cxtjgaw4ung4azofl0ezmsl C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/system 0 384462 4653842 3223029 2026-07-11T04:03:00Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/system]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/system]] 4653842 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/system]] ixyvo1ry2nms0sa8bkj50cr696kk3bj C Programming/C Reference/string.h/memset 0 384463 4653846 3223031 2026-07-11T04:03:02Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/memset]] to [[C programming/string.h/memset]] 4653846 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/memset]] d5w87qvn3przp90rkzvav85m7l61pc2 C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strcat 0 384464 4653848 3223033 2026-07-11T04:03:03Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strcat]] to [[C programming/string.h/strcat]] 4653848 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strcat]] 45nqu62tso1xvezyw32pnrb77hchows C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strchr 0 384465 4653849 3223035 2026-07-11T04:03:03Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strchr]] to [[C programming/string.h/strchr]] 4653849 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strchr]] r0b1r3kkx3s7wi5cbzqroqmgb6gizoz C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strcmp 0 384466 4653850 3223037 2026-07-11T04:03:04Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strcmp]] to [[C programming/string.h/strcmp]] 4653850 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strcmp]] 4mtmiui0lfc3h6yyorxcw7m9klmae7s C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strcpy 0 384467 4653851 3223039 2026-07-11T04:03:04Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strcpy]] to [[C programming/string.h/strcpy]] 4653851 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strcpy]] phi7aplseik20x1jtwr7idlnxog20ro C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strcspn 0 384468 4653852 3223041 2026-07-11T04:03:05Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strcspn]] to [[C programming/string.h/strcspn]] 4653852 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strcspn]] iegrwzx321jegel7zudkov9z6r5p9s2 C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strerror 0 384469 4653853 3223043 2026-07-11T04:03:05Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strerror]] to [[C programming/string.h/strerror]] 4653853 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strerror]] eoonu365b1mw3e280xelw26lme1d6fl C Programming/C Reference/string.h/stricmp 0 384470 4653854 3223045 2026-07-11T04:03:06Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/stricmp]] to [[C programming/string.h/stricmp]] 4653854 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/stricmp]] tie2kwdr4839cyxlxropk649wjlblge C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strlen 0 384471 4653855 3223048 2026-07-11T04:03:06Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strlen]] to [[C programming/string.h/strlen]] 4653855 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strlen]] qgkdf8f63q420zxvmjxmhie2m61zvq4 C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strncmp 0 384472 4653857 3223050 2026-07-11T04:03:07Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strncmp]] to [[C programming/string.h/strncmp]] 4653857 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strncmp]] emgi9czajabtcczgk7164lta5sew9v6 C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strrchr 0 384473 4653858 3223052 2026-07-11T04:03:08Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/string.h/strrchr]] to [[C programming/string.h/strrchr]] 4653858 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strrchr]] bpk6rm3sz9newjf7x8sbw3vgyeuvqjc C Programming/C Reference/string.h/strspn 0 384474 4653859 3223054 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from [[C Programming/string.h/strxfrm]] to [[C programming/string.h/strxfrm]] 4653862 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/string.h/strxfrm]] goqwqtp3t3iaige8ae70oiiqh5xqv2v C Programming/C Reference/time.h/asctime 0 384478 4653866 3223062 2026-07-11T04:03:11Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/time.h/asctime]] to [[C programming/time.h/asctime]] 4653866 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/time.h/asctime]] kcn9i8r7m4cs8p5dcj3ha8gtqo3jikd C Programming/C Reference/time.h/ctime 0 384479 4653867 3223064 2026-07-11T04:03:12Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/time.h/ctime]] to [[C programming/time.h/ctime]] 4653867 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/time.h/ctime]] ponvsruh214lldzu74edln00qtl1kit C Programming/C Reference/time.h/difftime 0 384480 4653868 3223066 2026-07-11T04:03:12Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/time.h/difftime]] to [[C programming/time.h/difftime]] 4653868 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/time.h/difftime]] t3w3vq9jtouydespd2qtupjwdcwwjiv C Programming/C Reference/time.h/localtime 0 384481 4653869 3223068 2026-07-11T04:03:13Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/time.h/localtime]] to [[C programming/time.h/localtime]] 4653869 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/time.h/localtime]] 7sshnwvd8i1656llho9keesncgx7d8i C Programming/C Reference/time.h/time t 0 384482 4653870 3223070 2026-07-11T04:03:13Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/time.h/time t]] to [[C programming/time.h/time t]] 4653870 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/time.h/time t]] q0vv270igpuo2xaufq78r04o244vtbv C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h/fgetws 0 384483 4653872 3223072 2026-07-11T04:03:14Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/fgetws]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/fgetws]] 4653872 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/fgetws]] dhuxd2wjal5im1a7sf7x8xnx06lbpma C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h/mbrlen 0 384484 4653873 3223074 2026-07-11T04:03:15Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] 4653873 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrlen]] gujzdn72bsuv77vdm0u52auql90vxkb C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h/mbrtowc 0 384485 4653874 3223076 2026-07-11T04:03:15Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/mbrtowc]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrtowc]] 4653874 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/mbrtowc]] 6yax8gcntyuvda08ieg82h42yi906ku C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h/putwc 0 384486 4653875 3223078 2026-07-11T04:03:16Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/putwc]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/putwc]] 4653875 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/putwc]] fet0i7oqyto4c6hmcq8m0nbew21y5aq C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h/swprintf 0 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Programming/wctype.h/iswupper]] to [[C programming/wctype.h/iswupper]] 4653885 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wctype.h/iswupper]] 3vbgg0wax5latiqngvaep4tgt8duh6u C Programming/POSIX Reference/stdlib.h/ltoa 0 384499 4653898 3223105 2026-07-11T04:03:26Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/ltoa]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/ltoa]] 4653898 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/ltoa]] a3ho6kgf1v61f287v6o2ucby6muof2r C Programming/Compilers 0 384519 4653888 3223152 2026-07-11T04:03:22Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/C Compilers Reference List]] to [[C programming/C compilers reference list]] 4653888 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/C compilers reference list]] gq0demqiu6sxcitkgvk1lj88z5qh49u Talk:C Programming/Compilers 1 384520 4653945 3223154 2026-07-11T04:03:49Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/C Compilers Reference List]] to [[Talk:C programming/C compilers reference list]] 4653945 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/C compilers reference list]] cs7maevdwjjh2vvf4vz8x5bqrls48r2 C Programming/C Reference/stddef.h/offsetof 0 384521 4653793 3223160 2026-07-11T04:02:37Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stddef.h/offsetof]] to [[C programming/stddef.h/offsetof]] 4653793 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stddef.h/offsetof]] bfsxm1nuighfjq0fz62dp9snpbw1hww C Programming/C Reference/stdlib.h/div 0 384522 4653835 3223162 2026-07-11T04:02:57Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/stdlib.h/div]] to [[C programming/stdlib.h/div]] 4653835 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/stdlib.h/div]] sm2jxx0zfxmo1fbopmvpfb28vp0oig3 C Programming/C Reference/wchar.h/wcscat 0 384523 4653877 3223164 2026-07-11T04:03:16Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/wchar.h/wcscat]] to [[C programming/wchar.h/wcscat]] 4653877 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/wchar.h/wcscat]] 3xm3lzf6j57pcz6e58b5c7wj9itu4lc C Programming/Complex types 0 384557 4653890 3348240 2026-07-11T04:03:23Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Advanced data types]] to [[C programming/Advanced data types]] 4653890 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Advanced data types]] bs03b25kczzn82gv9enu0r2tghixbc7 C Programming/Composite types 0 384559 4653892 3348241 2026-07-11T04:03:24Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Advanced data types]] to [[C programming/Advanced data types]] 4653892 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Advanced data types]] bs03b25kczzn82gv9enu0r2tghixbc7 C Programming/Using a Compiler 0 384570 4653909 3223845 2026-07-11T04:03:31Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Obtaining a compiler]] to [[C programming/Obtaining a compiler]] 4653909 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Obtaining a compiler]] b9wefqpizgxegn9h7erenue24ak8npi Talk:C Programming/Using a Compiler 1 384571 4653958 3223847 2026-07-11T04:03:55Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Obtaining a compiler]] to [[Talk:C programming/Obtaining a compiler]] 4653958 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Obtaining a compiler]] 2uekheu7njka00bpn6zv6dwqahi2xk4 C Programming/C Language Reference 0 384820 4653749 3228145 2026-07-11T04:02:15Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Language Reference]] to [[C programming/Language reference]] 4653749 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Language reference]] nrscr7h1aipv4n6dsr89ichq2waduiz Talk:C Programming/C Language Reference 1 384821 4653939 3228147 2026-07-11T04:03:46Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Language Reference]] to [[Talk:C programming/Language reference]] 4653939 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Language reference]] m2o9huvd80q3zkpb8bc3s44i5cq904i C Programming/Standard Library Reference 0 385891 4653905 3247992 2026-07-11T04:03:30Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Standard library reference]] to [[C programming/Standard library reference]] 4653905 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Standard library reference]] j9p35qkhanvdgy5yr4jq2sxqjxeg5it Talk:C Programming/Standard Library Reference 1 385892 4653955 3247994 2026-07-11T04:03:54Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Standard library reference]] to [[Talk:C programming/Standard library reference]] 4653955 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Standard library reference]] 5bieet3bnqm0sgi924mq6btd7me4w4w C Programming/Composite data types 0 393579 4653891 3344070 2026-07-11T04:03:23Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Advanced data types]] to [[C programming/Advanced data types]] 4653891 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Advanced data types]] bs03b25kczzn82gv9enu0r2tghixbc7 Talk:C Programming/Composite data types 1 393580 4653947 3344072 2026-07-11T04:03:50Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Advanced data types]] to [[Talk:C programming/Advanced data types]] 4653947 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Advanced data types]] 8eeoyxp82j1qjk941o9l94r6u3d5aam C Programming/dirent.h 0 393841 4653913 3347218 2026-07-11T04:03:33Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/dirent.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/dirent.h]] 4653913 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/dirent.h]] 3crdlocvizes9r75v4czpamqu5avw07 C Programming/fcntl.h 0 393842 4653914 3347220 2026-07-11T04:03:34Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/fcntl.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/fcntl.h]] 4653914 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/fcntl.h]] dmbv5tuw99jpg7s5xtu1gh21rteqwrg C Programming/netdb.h 0 393843 4653917 3347222 2026-07-11T04:03:35Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/netdb.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/netdb.h]] 4653917 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/netdb.h]] od2s2bhffwo6meomc69bk1sryunbdhh C Programming/netdb.h/getaddrinfo 0 393844 4653918 3347224 2026-07-11T04:03:36Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/netdb.h/getaddrinfo]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/netdb.h/getaddrinfo]] 4653918 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/netdb.h/getaddrinfo]] 2zfgzfsxkkdrbldbcawlnw7krm38wga C Programming/spawn 0 393845 4653921 3347226 2026-07-11T04:03:37Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/spawn]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/spawn]] 4653921 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/spawn]] 5xnmswiyw7vj6vm2ye4b7zuy7wvy8zt C Programming/mman.h 0 393846 4653915 3347228 2026-07-11T04:03:34Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/sys/mman.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/mman.h]] 4653915 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/mman.h]] sx87vr1fr60s62dhj2083tekb4tkdm6 C Programming/mman.h/mprotect 0 393847 4653916 3347230 2026-07-11T04:03:35Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/sys/mman.h/mprotect]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/mman.h/mprotect]] 4653916 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/mman.h/mprotect]] gqj9ahyqyga80hvnkvurvjkrfuzfex1 C Programming/stat.h 0 393848 4653922 3347232 2026-07-11T04:03:38Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/sys/stat.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/stat.h]] 4653922 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/stat.h]] g1056hoghmwcl8ou4cde7lciius7t32 C Programming/stat.h/stat 0 393849 4653923 3347234 2026-07-11T04:03:38Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/sys/stat.h/stat]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/stat.h/stat]] 4653923 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/sys/stat.h/stat]] 3x57901x5duy2cjq5kjif3nygn6tg2r C Programming/unistd.h 0 393850 4653924 3347236 2026-07-11T04:03:39Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h]] 4653924 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h]] fcacr3hb5zexqybx12o3i2nzlrw3fbd C Programming/unistd.h/close 0 393851 4653925 3347238 2026-07-11T04:03:39Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/close]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/close]] 4653925 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/close]] qanv3b3xvk3ah7rlkcv30tov102mt9u C Programming/unistd.h/exec 0 393852 4653926 3347240 2026-07-11T04:03:40Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/exec]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/exec]] 4653926 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/exec]] 3nawhm8hjgmtc5uug0vvokv8kk27g6z C Programming/unistd.h/fork 0 393853 4653927 3347242 2026-07-11T04:03:40Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/fork]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/fork]] 4653927 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/fork]] tjvr2labekmlzycphogxuvhcrztxqc9 Talk:C Programming/unistd.h/fork 1 393854 4653960 3347244 2026-07-11T04:03:56Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/fork]] to [[Talk:C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/fork]] 4653960 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/fork]] lp1gl2rxg23arqnme6pngc80wdfkxsx C Programming/unistd.h/open 0 393855 4653928 3347246 2026-07-11T04:03:41Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/open]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/open]] 4653928 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/open]] 43p1ptr2ydbnjmatdvtptccyb92bbh9 C Programming/unistd.h/read 0 393856 4653929 3347248 2026-07-11T04:03:41Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/read]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/read]] 4653929 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/read]] tieqbu6whmo8h0wfwb3z32kr4mlhy2y C Programming/unistd.h/select 0 393857 4653930 3347250 2026-07-11T04:03:42Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/unistd.h/select]] to [[C 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Reference/unistd.h/write]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/write]] 4653933 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/unistd.h/write]] 54pk7nd59ju1c23xtyz7avde5gh1trc C Programming/utime.h 0 393861 4653934 3347258 2026-07-11T04:03:44Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/POSIX Reference/utime.h]] to [[C programming/POSIX reference/utime.h]] 4653934 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/POSIX reference/utime.h]] htefdfva6rcycll8d98pt2c5f6bicx1 C Programming/alloc.h 0 393863 4653910 3347282 2026-07-11T04:03:32Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/MS Windows Reference/alloc.h]] to [[C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] 4653910 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] psj93r6u41e1lmendvqaqwotn00q3wk Talk:C Programming/alloc.h 1 393864 4653959 3347284 2026-07-11T04:03:56Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/MS Windows Reference/alloc.h]] to [[Talk:C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] 4653959 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/MS Windows reference/alloc.h]] ajs3nx8oz3nnv4kl55gtu8whi2lcc58 C Programming/conio.h 0 393865 4653912 3347287 2026-07-11T04:03:33Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/MS Windows Reference/conio.h]] to [[C programming/MS Windows reference/conio.h]] 4653912 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/MS Windows reference/conio.h]] sknwaeoq3yzo08jowpkqte1ow42j9lt C Programming/process.h 0 393866 4653920 3347289 2026-07-11T04:03:37Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/MS Windows Reference/process.h]] to [[C programming/MS Windows reference/process.h]] 4653920 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/MS Windows reference/process.h]] h15dr676yjioc2jzpitocparh176lkp C Programming/Compiling 0 394102 4653889 3354734 2026-07-11T04:03:22Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C 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programming/Arrays and strings]] 4653937 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Arrays and strings]] o9jnpb0lt3d4oy8fgthz5hqg3cnzktp C Programming/Control 0 394106 4653893 3354742 2026-07-11T04:03:24Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Program flow control]] to [[C programming/Program flow control]] 4653893 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Program flow control]] e533c8rf6l9dr0iyd83ty2tclo4jknh Talk:C Programming/Control 1 394107 4653948 3354744 2026-07-11T04:03:50Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Program flow control]] to [[Talk:C programming/Program flow control]] 4653948 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Program flow control]] c21vdghvh7f78r3zpr8trdkk0qwymx0 C Programming/Strings 0 394108 4653907 3354746 2026-07-11T04:03:30Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/String manipulation]] to [[C programming/String manipulation]] 4653907 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/String manipulation]] 3asdv4ankrfw6pkbcgyiojf6clk4vsy Talk:C Programming/Strings 1 394109 4653956 3354748 2026-07-11T04:03:54Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/String manipulation]] to [[Talk:C programming/String manipulation]] 4653956 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/String manipulation]] k5133o4ukgcy547opdnfbk90qt6topt C Programming/Preprocessor 0 394110 4653899 3354750 2026-07-11T04:03:27Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Preprocessor directives and macros]] to [[C programming/Preprocessor directives and macros]] 4653899 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Preprocessor directives and macros]] 4cv9sejf4160c9d4hnw9tiefdj7yn1i Talk:C Programming/Preprocessor 1 394111 4653951 3354752 2026-07-11T04:03:52Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Preprocessor directives and macros]] to [[Talk:C programming/Preprocessor directives and macros]] 4653951 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Preprocessor directives and macros]] gofq01qmbko2c2qyattkc82b6rtchsj C Programming/Simple math 0 394162 4653904 3355129 2026-07-11T04:03:29Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Operators and type casting]] to [[C programming/Operators and type casting]] 4653904 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Operators and type casting]] 5fqzz5c4040vannu78yr6opk2dt1j6p Talk:C Programming/Simple math 1 394163 4653954 3355131 2026-07-11T04:03:53Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Operators and type casting]] to [[Talk:C programming/Operators and type casting]] 4653954 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Operators and type casting]] aechskg6rjengk6pbe3c0cimcrwoogx C Programming/File IO 0 395372 4653894 3372319 2026-07-11T04:03:24Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Stream IO]] to [[C programming/Stream IO]] 4653894 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Stream IO]] tp3zb05m7c07wsimeaeivarb808ddzr Talk:C Programming/File IO 1 395373 4653949 3372321 2026-07-11T04:03:51Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Stream IO]] to [[Talk:C programming/Stream IO]] 4653949 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Stream IO]] ba59lgkaof2sl212zsxwnr6w1vv9pbr Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives 4 396216 4653964 4645137 2026-07-11T06:56:16Z Earthinators 3613386 /* {{subst:currentuser}}{{subst:^|DO NOT EDIT THIS LINE}} */ new section 4653964 wikitext text/x-wiki __NONEWSECTIONLINK__ __NOINDEX__ {{Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives/Header}} {{shortcut|WB:EFFP}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives/Archive %(counter)d |algo = old(75d) |counter = 4 |maxarchivesize = 150K |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 3 }} == LeventBulut == ;Username : [[:b:User:LeventBulut|LeventBulut]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:LeventBulut|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/LeventBulut|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/LeventBulut|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:LeventBulut}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:LeventBulut}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=LeventBulut}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Objective Projection: Why the Brain Never Forgets Some Stories]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Objective+Projection%3A+Why+the+Brain+Never+Forgets+Some+Stories}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Objective+Projection%3A+Why+the+Brain+Never+Forgets+Some+Stories&wpSearchUser=LeventBulut}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I am the author of the Objective Projection methodology. I was trying to add a legitimate educational book to Wikibooks under CC BY-SA 4.0. The filter blocked my edits twice — once for external links, once for content volume. All content is my own original work written specifically for Wikibooks. The Turkish version of the same book is already live on tr.wikibooks.org Open license declaration at leventbulut.com/acik-lisans-bildirimi-wikibooks/ ;Date and time : 06:35, 25 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : [[User:LeventBulut|LeventBulut]], the filters were working as intended, but I can adjust them. However, I've temporarily given you confirmed user access until 2026-04-29. Please note that this will exclude you from some commonly-hit filters, but not all of them to be exact. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:07, 26 April 2026 (UTC) == SHE-LOVES-BRIAN == ;Username : [[:b:User:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|SHE-LOVES-BRIAN]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=SHE-LOVES-BRIAN}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 14:35, 5 May 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|note}} You are autoconfirmed, which means the filter shouldn't trigger on you anymore, but not all of them to be exact. – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:58, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == ~2026-32360-90 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-32360-90|~2026-32360-90]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-32360-90|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-32360-90|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-32360-90|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-32360-90}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-32360-90}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-32360-90}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...Bc5/3. Qh5/3...Qe7]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Chess+Opening+Theory%2F1.+e4%2F1...e5%2F2.+Bc4%2F2...Bc5%2F3.+Qh5%2F3...Qe7}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Chess+Opening+Theory%2F1.+e4%2F1...e5%2F2.+Bc4%2F2...Bc5%2F3.+Qh5%2F3...Qe7&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-32360-90}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Trying to add a language ([[:fi:Shakki/rnb1k1nr;ppppqppp;8;2b1p2Q;2B1P3;8;PPPP1PPP;RNB1K1NR w KQkq]]) was being flagged as unconstructive by the edit filter. ;Date and time : 15:57, 15 June 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|rf}} [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:57, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == ~2026-35089-83 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-35089-83|~2026-35089-83]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-35089-83|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-35089-83|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-35089-83|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-35089-83}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-35089-83}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-35089-83}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[[[Japanese/Kana]]]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=%5B%5BJapanese%2FKana%5D%5D}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=%5B%5BJapanese%2FKana%5D%5D&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-35089-83}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Tried replacing a dead link with a working version I found when I plugged the link into webarchive, since that's what I presumed I was meant to do when I found a dead link. ;Date and time : 01:27, 15 June 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == SeaDragon1 == ;Username : [[:b:User:SeaDragon1|SeaDragon1]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:SeaDragon1|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/SeaDragon1|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/SeaDragon1|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:SeaDragon1}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:SeaDragon1}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=SeaDragon1}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[User:SeaDragon1/UTM highlighting test]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=User%3ASeaDragon1%2FUTM+highlighting+test}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=User%3ASeaDragon1%2FUTM+highlighting+test&wpSearchUser=SeaDragon1}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Attempted creation of page to test [[User:SeaDragon1/common.js]] (both attempted page creation content and <span style="font-family: monospace">common.js</span> were copied from [[w:Main Page|the English Wikipedia]]). ;Date and time : 23:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Earthinators == == Earthinators page rewrite == I was trying to replace the main page of [[Earthinators]] with a neutral, instructional textbook version ([[Talk:Earthinators|the new text is on the talk page]]). The edit filter blocked me, saying the edit was "potentially unconstructive". The new version follows Wikibooks guidelines – it’s a textbook, not a promotional page. Please allow the edit or make the change for me. [[User:Earthinators|Earthinators]] ([[User talk:Earthinators|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Earthinators|contribs]]) 06:56, 11 July 2026 (UTC) mt4gksbn584si3wsiiedxawqyy16qja 4653971 4653964 2026-07-11T08:10:47Z ArchiverBot 1227662 Bot: Archiving 1 thread (older than 75 days) to [[Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives/Archive 4]] 4653971 wikitext text/x-wiki __NONEWSECTIONLINK__ __NOINDEX__ {{Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives/Header}} {{shortcut|WB:EFFP}} {{User:MiszaBot/config |archive = Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives/Archive %(counter)d |algo = old(75d) |counter = 4 |maxarchivesize = 150K |minthreadstoarchive = 1 |minthreadsleft = 3 }} == SHE-LOVES-BRIAN == ;Username : [[:b:User:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|SHE-LOVES-BRIAN]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/SHE-LOVES-BRIAN|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:SHE-LOVES-BRIAN}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=SHE-LOVES-BRIAN}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 14:35, 5 May 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|note}} You are autoconfirmed, which means the filter shouldn't trigger on you anymore, but not all of them to be exact. – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:58, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == ~2026-32360-90 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-32360-90|~2026-32360-90]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-32360-90|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-32360-90|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-32360-90|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-32360-90}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-32360-90}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-32360-90}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...Bc5/3. Qh5/3...Qe7]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Chess+Opening+Theory%2F1.+e4%2F1...e5%2F2.+Bc4%2F2...Bc5%2F3.+Qh5%2F3...Qe7}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Chess+Opening+Theory%2F1.+e4%2F1...e5%2F2.+Bc4%2F2...Bc5%2F3.+Qh5%2F3...Qe7&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-32360-90}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Trying to add a language ([[:fi:Shakki/rnb1k1nr;ppppqppp;8;2b1p2Q;2B1P3;8;PPPP1PPP;RNB1K1NR w KQkq]]) was being flagged as unconstructive by the edit filter. ;Date and time : 15:57, 15 June 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|rf}} [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:57, 15 June 2026 (UTC) == ~2026-35089-83 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-35089-83|~2026-35089-83]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-35089-83|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-35089-83|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-35089-83|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-35089-83}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-35089-83}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-35089-83}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[[[Japanese/Kana]]]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=%5B%5BJapanese%2FKana%5D%5D}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=%5B%5BJapanese%2FKana%5D%5D&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-35089-83}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Tried replacing a dead link with a working version I found when I plugged the link into webarchive, since that's what I presumed I was meant to do when I found a dead link. ;Date and time : 01:27, 15 June 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == SeaDragon1 == ;Username : [[:b:User:SeaDragon1|SeaDragon1]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:SeaDragon1|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/SeaDragon1|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/SeaDragon1|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:SeaDragon1}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:SeaDragon1}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=SeaDragon1}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[User:SeaDragon1/UTM highlighting test]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=User%3ASeaDragon1%2FUTM+highlighting+test}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=User%3ASeaDragon1%2FUTM+highlighting+test&wpSearchUser=SeaDragon1}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Attempted creation of page to test [[User:SeaDragon1/common.js]] (both attempted page creation content and <span style="font-family: monospace">common.js</span> were copied from [[w:Main Page|the English Wikipedia]]). ;Date and time : 23:26, 3 July 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Earthinators == == Earthinators page rewrite == I was trying to replace the main page of [[Earthinators]] with a neutral, instructional textbook version ([[Talk:Earthinators|the new text is on the talk page]]). The edit filter blocked me, saying the edit was "potentially unconstructive". The new version follows Wikibooks guidelines – it’s a textbook, not a promotional page. Please allow the edit or make the change for me. [[User:Earthinators|Earthinators]] ([[User talk:Earthinators|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Earthinators|contribs]]) 06:56, 11 July 2026 (UTC) m59myiemkwt40gh7x01zturizeutubo C Programming/complex.h/Function prototypes 0 396980 4653911 3410668 2026-07-11T04:03:32Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/complex.h/Function reference]] to [[C programming/complex.h/Function reference]] 4653911 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/complex.h/Function reference]] tnr1v99fb7ko1heyg5grph0ha95rf9l History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations 0 399007 4653720 4641373 2026-07-10T23:48:53Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* Broadcast - Tas */ 4653720 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=4}} ==Stations== ===Aeradio=== ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZAD Adelaide|VZAD Adelaide]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZAS Alice Springs|VZAS Alice Springs]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZBN Brisbane|VZBN Brisbane]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZBR Broome|VZBR Broome]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZBZ Brisbane|VZBZ Brisbane, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCB Canberra|VZCB Canberra]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCD Ceduna|VZCD Ceduna]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCK Cooktown|VZCK Cooktown]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCR Carnarvon|VZCR Carnarvon]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCS Cairns|VZCS Cairns]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCV Charleville|VZCV Charleville]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCW Camooweal|VZCW Camooweal]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZCY Cloncurry|VZCY Cloncurry]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZDN Darwin|VZDN Darwin]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZDW Daly Waters|VZDW Daly Waters]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZDZ Darwin|VZDZ Darwin, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZFI Flinders Island|VZFI Flinders Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZFT Forrest|VZFT Forrest]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZGE Groote Eylandt|VZGE Groote Eylandt]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZGN Geraldton|VZGN Geraldton]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZGZ Groote Eylandt|VZGZ Groote Eylandt, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZHB Hobart|VZHB Hobart]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZHC Halls Creek|VZHC Halls Creek]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZHK Holbrook|VZHK Holbrook]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZKA Karumba|VZKA Karumba]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZKG Kalgoorlie|VZKG Kalgoorlie]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZKI King Island|VZKI King Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZKM Kempsey|VZKM Kempsey]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZKZ Karumba|VZKZ Karumba, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZLH Lord Howe Island|VZLH Lord Howe Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZLR Longreach|VZLR Longreach]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZLT Launceston|VZLT Launceston]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZME Mount Eba|VZME Mount Eba]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZML Melbourne|VZML Melbourne]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZNH Nhill|VZNH Nhill]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZOD Oodnadatta|VZOD Oodnadatta]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZOS Onslow|VZOS Onslow]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZPD Port Hedland|VZPD Port Hedland]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZPH Perth|VZPH Perth]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZPY Port Moresby|VZPY Port Moresby]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZRB Rabaul|VZRB Rabaul]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZRK Rockhampton|VZRK Rockhampton]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZRZ Gladstone|VZRZ Gladstone, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZSD Sydney (Rose Bay)|VZSD Sydney (Rose Bay)]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZSU Salamaua|VZSU Salamaua]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZSY Sydney (Mascot)|VZSY Sydney (Mascot)]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZSZ Sydney|VZSZ Sydney, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZTC Tennant Creek|VZTC Tennant Creek]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZTV Townsville|VZTV Townsville]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZTZ Townsville|VZTZ Townsville, Control Launch]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VZWM Wyndham|VZWM Wyndham]] - Coming real soon now! ** VZYZ - Not a station, a collective callsign for any Aeradio station ===Coastal=== ** [[/AAA Sydney|AAA Sydney, Hotel Australia]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/AAM Melbourne|AAM Melbourne, Hotel Menzies]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/ATY Sydney|ATY Sydney, Underwood St]] - Became AAA - Coming real soon now! ** [[/CGI Willis Island|CGI Willis Island, Coral Islands]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKT Nauru|KAN, Angaur]] - KAN while under German Administration, became ??? following ??? occupation in 1914, possibly a different callsign while controlled by ??? military - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKT Nauru|KAP, Apia, Samoa]] - KAP while under German Administration, became ??? following New Zealand occupation in 1914, possibly a different callsign while controlled by New Zealand military - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKT Nauru|KBN, Nauru, Marshall Islands]] - KBN while under German Administration, became VKT following Australian occupation in 1914, possibly a different callsign while controlled by Australian military - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKT Nauru|KCA, Yap]] - KCA while under German Administration, became ??? following ??? occupation in 1914, possibly a different callsign while controlled by ??? military - Coming real soon now! ** [[/MAL Adelie Land|MAL Adelie Land]] - First station on Antarctica, established by Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIP Perth|MNS Perth]] - See Australasian Wireless Co testing POP prior to handover to Commonwealth ** [[/MQI Macquarie Island|MQI Macquarie Island]] - Callsign changed to VIQ 1913? - Coming real soon now! ** [[/NPU Tutuila|NPU Tutuila American Samoa]] - Operated by US Navy - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIA Adelaide|POA Adelaide]] - Callsign changed to VIA 1913 - TroveTag: "POA-VIA - Adelaide" ** [[/VIB Brisbane|POB Brisbane]] - Callsign changed to VIB 1913 - TroveTag: "POB-VIB - Brisbane" ** [[/VIB Brisbane|POF Fremantle]] - Projected callsign for Applecross station, likely never used, likely commenced as POP after AWC handover ** [[/VIH Hobart|POH Hobart]] - Callsign changed to VIH 1913 - TroveTag: "POH-VIH - Hobart" ** [[/VIM Melbourne|POM Melbourne]] - Callsign changed to VIM 1913 - TroveTag: "POM-VIM - Melbourne" ** [[/VIP Perth|POP Perth]] - Callsign changed to VIP 1913 - TroveTag: "MNS-POP-VIP - Perth" ** [[/VIS Sydney|POS Sydney]] Callsign changed to VIS 1913 - TroveTag: "POS-VIS - Sydney" ** [[/VHR Maron|VHR Maron Island, New Guinea]] - TroveTag: "VHR - Maron Island" ** [[/VIA Adelaide|VIA Adelaide]] - commenced 1 Oct 1912 as POA, changed callsign to VIA late 1913 - TroveTag: "POA-VIA - Adelaide" ** [[/VIB Brisbane|VIB Brisbane]] - commenced 2 Sep 1912 as POB, changed callsign to VIB late 1913, a brief start ** [[/VIC Carnarvon|VIC Carnarvon]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIC Cooktown|VIC Cooktown]] - commenced 12 Jun 1913 - TroveTag: " ** [[/VID Darwin|VID Darwin]] - commenced 25 Sep 1913 - TroveTag: " ** [[/VIE Esperance|VIE Esperance]] - commenced 21 Jul 1913, largely complete ** [[/VIF Woodlark Island|VIF Woodlark Island]] Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIG Port Moresby|VIG Port Moresby]] Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIH Hobart|VIH Hobart]] Designed by John Graeme Balsillie, construction supervisor Donald Macdonald, officially opened on 13 April 1912, establishment brought forward to support the Australasian Antarctic Expedition to communicate with MQI at Macquarie Island, initially operated by the Postmaster-General's Department, operated by Royal Australian Naval Radio Service 1914-1920, initial callsign POH, initial OIC William Tamillas Stephen Crawford, initial 2IC Charles Calvert King, callsign changed to VIH in 1913 ** [[/VII Thursday Island|VII Thursday Island]] Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIJ Samarai|VIJ Samarai, Papua]] Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIK King Island|VIK King Island]] Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIL Flinders Island|VIL Flinders Island]] - commenced 8 Oct 1913, closed 1947, coming real soon now! ** [[/VIM Melbourne|VIM Melbourne]] Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIN Geraldton|VIN Geraldton]] - commenced 12 May 1913, largely complete ** [[/VIO Broome|VIO Broome]] - commenced 18 Aug 1913, coming real soon now! ** [[/VIP Perth|VIP Perth]] - Formerly MNS, POF, POP - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIQ Macquarie Island|VIQ Macquarie Island]] - change of callsign from MQI 1913? - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIR Rockhampton|VIR Rockhampton]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIS Sydney|VIS Sydney]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIT Townsville|VIT Townsville]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIU Kieta|VIU Kieta]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIV Madang|VIV Madang]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIW Wyndham|VIW Wyndham]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIX Misima|VIX Misima]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIY Mt Gambier|VIY Mt Gambier]] - commenced 1 March 1913 [http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77644875] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIZ Roebourne|VIZ Roebourne]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VJN Lord Howe Island|VJN Lord Howe Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VJN Wewak|VJN Wewak]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VJQ Salamoa|VJQ Salamoa]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VJX Bulolo|VJX Bulolo]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VJX Wau|VJX Wau]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VIG Port Moresby|VJZ Port Moresby]] - Callsign change from VIG - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VJZ Rabaul|VJZ Rabaul / Bita Paka]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKN Navy Office|VKN Navy Office]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKP Navy Flinders Island|VKP Navy Flinders Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKQ Navy Garden Island|VKQ Navy Garden Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKR Navy Cockburn Sound|VKR Navy Cockburn Sound]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKS Navy Port Stevens|VKS Navy Port Stevens]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VKT Nauru|VKT Nauru]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VLA Awanui|VLA Awanui]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VLB Awarua|VLB Awarua]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VLC Chatham Islands|VLC Chatham Islands]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VLD Auckland|VLD Auckland]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VLW Wellington|VLW Wellington]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VMG Apia|VMG Apia, Samoa]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VMR Rarotonga|VMR Rarotonga, Cook Islands]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VPB Colombo|VPB Colombo, Ceylon]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VPD Suva|VPD Suva, Fiji]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VPE Labasa|VPE Labasa, Fiji]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VPF Tavenni|VPF Tavenni, Fiji]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VPK Cocos Island|VPK Cocos Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VQJ Tulagi|VQJ Tulagi, Solomon Islands]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VSB Nukualofa|VSB Nukualofa, Tonga]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VZE King Island|VZE King Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VZK Morobe|VZK Morobe]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VZO Manus Island|VZO Manus Island]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VZR Kavieng|VZR Kavieng / Kaewieng]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/VZX Aitape|VZX Aitape / Eitape]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/??? Daru|??? Daru, PNG]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/??? Oriomo|??? Oriomo, PNG]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[/??? Port Vila|??? Port Vila, Vanuatu/New Hebrides]] - Coming real soon now! ===Land=== ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VJD Wave Hill|VJD Wave Hill]] - Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VJJ Camooweal|VJJ Camooweal]] - Coming real soon now! ===Experimental (pre WW1)=== ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/XQH Brisbane|XQH Brisbane]] Coming real soon now! ===Broadcast=== ====Broadcast - ACT==== ====Broadcast - NSW==== ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/2BL Sydney|2BL Sydney]] Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/2FC Sydney|2FC Sydney]] Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/2GB Sydney|2GB Sydney]] A brief start ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/2KY Sydney|2KY Sydney]] Starting to take shape ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/2SM Sydney|2SM Sydney]] Coming real soon now! ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/2UE Sydney|2UE Sydney]] Starting to take shape ====Broadcast - Vic==== ====Broadcast - Qld==== [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AA Toowoomba|4AA Toowoomba]] - Bright, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster from 1920? - Article Status: Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AC Innisfail|4AC Innisfail]] - Waters, Amateur Broadcaster - Article Status: A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AE Brisbane|4AE Brisbane]] - Qld Wireless Institute, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster from 1920? - Article Status: A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AK Oakey|4AK Oakey]] - Class B & Commercial - Article Status: A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AM Atherton-Mareeba|4AM Atherton-Mareeba]] - Commercial - Article status: Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AN Brisbane|4AN Brisbane]] - [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/William Leighton Gibson|William Leighton Gibson]], Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster from 1924 - Article Status: A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AT Cairns|4AT Cairns]] - Alfred Thomas Bauer, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster from 1920? - Article Status: Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AW Brisbane|4AW Brisbane]] - Arthur Walz, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Article Status: A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4AZ Brisbane|4AZ Brisbane]] - Frank Sharpe, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4BC Brisbane|4BC Brisbane]] - Class B & Commercial - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4BH Brisbane|4BH Brisbane]] - Class B & Commercial]] - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4BI Brisbane|4BI Brisbane]] - Junction Park Radio Club, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4BK Brisbane|4BK Brisbane]] - Class B & Commercial - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4BN Toowoomba|4BN Toowoomba]] - Cooling, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CH Brisbane|4CH Brisbane]] - Arthur Dillon, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster from 1921 - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CK Toowoomba|4CK Toowoomba]] - Edgar Lewin Norris, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CM Brisbane|4CM Brisbane]] - Val McDowall & Tom Elliott, Amateur Experimenters & Broadcasters from 1920 A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4LW Brisbane|4CN Brisbane]] - See 4LW Brisbane (changed callsign from 4CN to 4LW in 1929) [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CG Brisbane (Clayfield)|4CG Brisbane (Clayfield)]] - Arthur Nelson Stephens - Amateur Operator, Amateur Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CG Brisbane (Hill End)|4CG Brisbane (Hill End)]] - Clifford Henry Yarburgh Gold - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CP Toowoomba|4CP Toowoomba]] A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CS Gympie|4CS Gympie]] - C. S. Geraghty, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CU Clifton|4CU Clifton]] - Walker, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4CW Brisbane|4CW Brisbane]] - Buck, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4EZ Brisbane|4EZ Brisbane]] - IRE (Qld) - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4FK Brisbane|4FK Brisbane]] - Vernon Francis "Vern" Kenna, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4GG Chinchilla|4GG Chinchilla]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4GO Brisbane|4GO Brisbane]] - George Oxlade, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4GS Brisbane|4GS Brisbane]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4GY Gympie|4GY Gympie]] - Commercial - Article status: Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4HW Brisbane|4HW Brisbane]] - Harold Dunbar Walsh, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4JN Brisbane|4JN Brisbane]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4JO Gympie|4JO Gympie]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4JU Brisbane|4JU Brisbane]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4KL Cairns|4KL Cairns]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4KZ Innisfail|4KZ Innisfail]] - Commercial - Article status: Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4LG Laidley|4LG Laidley]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4LW Brisbane|4LW Brisbane]] - Cec Morris, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster, commenced as 4CN A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4SS Sunshine Coast|4NA Nambour]] - See 4SS Sunshine Coast (changed callsign & area served from 4NA Nambour to 4SS Sunshine Coast in 1980?) [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4NW Brisbane|4NW Brisbane]] - Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4PC Brisbane|4PC Brisbane]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4PK Ipswich|4PK Ipswich]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4PW Ipswich|4PW Ipswich]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4QG Brisbane|4QG Brisbane]] - Class A & National (ABC) - A brief start [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4QL Brisbane|4QL Brisbane]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4RB Brisbane|4RB Brisbane]] - Robert John Vincent Browne, Amateur Experimenter, Amateur Broadcaster - Notes started (see biographies) [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4RJ Brisbane|4RJ Brisbane]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4RM Mackay|4RM Mackay]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4RV Cunnamulla|4RV Cunnamulla]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4SP Brisbane|4SP Brisbane]] - Frederick William Stevens, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4SS Brisbane|4SS Brisbane]] - Southside Radio Club, Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4SS Sunshine Coast|4SS Sunshine Coast]] - Commercial - Article status: Placeholder only [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/4VH Townsville|4VH Townsville]] - , Amateur Experimenter & Broadcaster - Placeholder only ====Broadcast - SA==== ====Broadcast - WA==== ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/6ML Perth|6ML Perth]] Nearing completion ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/6WF Perth|6WF Perth]] More than 200 transcriptions ====Broadcast - Tas==== [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/7BU Burnie|7BU Burnie]] More than 90 transcriptions ====Broadcast - NT==== ====Broadcast - External Territories==== ===Ship=== ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHA Kulumbangra|VHA Kulumbangra]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHB Levuka|VHB Levuka]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHC Kyarra|VHC Kyarra]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHD Kanowna|VHD Kanowna]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHE Karoola|VHE Karoola]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHF Morinda|VHF Morinda]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHG Willochra|VHG Willochra]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHH Warilda|VHH Warilda]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHI Wandilla|VHI Wandilla]] 1915 - Not yet started ** [[b:History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/VHJ Grantala|VHJ Grantala]] 1915 - Not yet started {{BookCat}} q78rt2d4i62am6zk760vytxm454hxyj OpenSCAD Tutorial/Chapter 2 0 409753 4653483 4642187 2026-07-10T13:35:18Z ~2026-39265-42 3613314 /* Quick quiz */ 4653483 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Nav}} == Scaling parts or the whole model == The model you created in the previous chapter was a great starting point for working with OpenSCAD, but perhaps after seeing it you recognized some aspects which should be changed. Here we will discuss strategies for modifying components of designs. One way to do so is by using the scale command, which is another one of the transformation commands. Modify the statement that creates the base of the car’s body in the following way in order to increase the length of the body by a ratio of 1.2. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid Gold;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: Gold;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_lengthened_body_base.scad'' <pre> … // Car body base scale([1.2,1,1]) cube([60,20,10],center=true); …</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with lengthened body base.jpg|680px]] You should notice that the scale command is used like the transform and rotate commands. It is added to the left of an existing statement without including a semicolon in between and it has a vector of three values as an input parameter. In analogy to the translate and rotate commands each value corresponds to the scaling ratio along the X, Y and Z axis. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try modifying the input of the scale command in order to scale the base of the body by a factor of 1.2 along the X axis and a factor of 0.1 or 2 along the Y axis. Did you get anything that could be a Mars rover or a tank? Are you surprised with how different the models look compared to the original car?</td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with lengthened and narrowed body base.jpg|680px]] [[File:Car with lengthened and widened body base.jpg|680px]] It is also possible to apply the same scale command or any other transformation command to more than one objects. Use the following code to apply the scale command to both the base and the top of the car’s body. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid Gold;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: Gold;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_lengthened_body.scad'' <pre> scale([1.2,1,1]) { // Car body base cube([60,20,10],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); }</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with lengthened body.jpg|680px]] The first thing you should notice is that in order to apply the scale command to more than one object, a set of curly brackets is used. The statements that define the corresponding objects along with their semicolons are placed inside the curly brackets. The curly brackets don’t require a semicolon at the end. The second thing you should notice is how the use of white space and comments increase the readability of your script. The following script is exactly equivalent, you can decide for yourself which one you’d rather have to read. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid Gold;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: Gold;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> <pre> scale([1.2,1,1]) { cube([60,20,10],center=true); translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); }</pre> </td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try applying the scale command to your whole model. Did you remember to include all statements inside the curly brackets? What should be the relation between the scaling factors along the X and Z axis so that the wheels don’t deform? What should the scaling factors be to get a car that has the same proportions but double the size?</td> </tr> </table> *For the wheels not to deform, the scaling factors along the X and Z axis should be equal. <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''scaled_car.scad'' <pre> $fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; scale([2,2,2]) { // Car body base cube([60,20,10],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); // Front left wheel translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); }</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Scaled car.jpg|680px]] == Quick quiz == The following script is the model you created in the first chapter. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid Gold;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: Gold;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> <pre>$fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; // Car body base cube([60,20,10],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); // Front left wheel translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try rotating the front wheels by 20 degrees around the Z axis, as if the car was making a right turn. In order to make your model more convincing, try rotating the body of the car (base and top) by 5 degrees around the Z axis in the opposite direction of the turn. To turn the wheels, modify the input parameters of existing rotate commands, to turn the body add a new rotate command.</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''turning_car.scad'' <pre> $fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; rotate([0,0,5]) { // Car body base cube([60,20,10],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); // Front left wheel, rotated 25 deg to get 25-5 = 20 deg translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,-25]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Front right wheel, rotated like above translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,-25]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=8,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); }</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Turning car.jpg|680px]] == Parameterizing parts of your model == You should have gotten the point that a model is most of the times not intended to exist in one version. One of the powers of OpenSCAD scripting language lies in making easy the ability to reuse models over and over again or simply to play around with them until you are satisfied to commit to a final version. It’s time to make some modifications to your car! <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try changing the radius of the wheels to 10 units. How easily did you find which values to modify? Did you have to do the same thing four times?</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_larger_wheels.scad'' <pre> // Front left wheel translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=10,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=10,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=10,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=10,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with larger wheels.jpg|680px]] Although it wasn’t that hard to change the size of wheels it could have been much simpler. First, it could have been easier to find which values to change. Second, you could have only one value to change since all wheels have the same radius. All this can be achieved with the use of variables. In the following script a variable for the radius of the wheels is introduced. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid Gold;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: Gold;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> <pre> wheel_radius = 8; // Front left wheel translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> Every variable has two parts: a name and a value. In this example, the variable name is "wheel_radius". A valid variable name uses only alphanumeric characters and underscores (A-Z, a-z, 0-9, and _). After the variable name, an equals sign separates the name from the value, and is followed by the value itself. Finally, a semicolon is required at the end to denote the completion of that statement. It’s a good practice to keep your variables organized by defining them all at the top of the document. Once a variable is defined, it can be used in the code to represent its value. In this example, the cylinder commands have been modified to use the wheel_radius variable for the input parameter r. When OpenSCAD evaluates this script, it will set the input parameter r equal to the value of the wheel_radius variable. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try using a variable named wheel_radius to define the size of your car’s wheels. Try changing the size of the wheels a few times by modifying the value of the wheel_radius variable. How much easier did you find changing the size of the wheels using the wheel_radius variable?</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_smaller_wheels.scad'' <pre> $fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; wheel_radius = 6; // Car body base cube([60,20,10],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); // Front left wheel translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with smaller wheels.jpg|680px]] There is one important thing you should keep in mind about the behavior of variables in OpenSCAD. The variables in OpenSCAD behave like constants. They can hold only one value which they keep throughout the creation of your model. So, what happens if you assign a value to wheel_radius at the start of your script and then assign a new value to it after the definition of the two front wheels? Will the rear wheels have different size compared to the front wheels? <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try assigning a different value to the wheel_radius variable right after the definition of the front wheels. Does your car have different front and rear wheel size?</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_same_sized_wheels.scad'' <pre> $fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; wheel_radius = 6; // Car body base cube([60,20,10],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,10],center=true); // Front left wheel translate([-20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); wheel_radius = 12; // Rear left wheel translate([20,-15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,15,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=30,r=2,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with same sized wheels.jpg|680px]] You should notice that all wheels have the same size. If multiple assignments to a variable exist, OpenSCAD uses the value of the last assignment. Even statements that make use of this variable and are defined before the last value assignment, will use the value of the last assignment. OpenSCAD will also give a warning in this case: ''WARNING: wheel_radius was assigned on line 3 but was overwritten on line 17'' <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Note</caption> <tr> <td>A variable assignment within { curly braces } only applies within those braces. Duplicate assignments at different levels of brace enclosure are not considered to conflict.</td> </tr> </table> == Parameterizing more parts of your model == You can now easily play around with the size of the wheels. It would be nice if you were able to customize more aspects of your model with such ease. You should notice for a moment that modifying the size of the wheels doesn’t affect any other aspect of your model, it doesn’t break your model in any way. This is not always the case. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try modifying the height of the car’s body base and top by defining a base_height and a top_height variable and making the appropriate changes to the corresponding statements that define the base and the top. Assign the value 5 to the base_height variable and the value 8 to the top_height variable. What do you notice?</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_floating_body_top.scad'' <pre> base_height = 5; top_height = 8; // Car body base cube([60,20,base_height],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,10 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,top_height],center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with floating body top.jpg|680px]] It is obvious that the body of the car stops being one as the base and the top separate. This happened because the correct position of the body’s top is dependent on the height of the body’s base and the height of body’s top. Remember that in order to make the top sit on top of the base you had to translate the top along the Z axis by an amount equal to half the height of the base plus half the height of the top. If you want to parameterize the height of the base and the top you should also parameterize the translation of the top along the Z axis. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try parameterizing the translation of the body’s top along the Z axis using the base_height and top_height variables to make it sit on top of the body’s base. Try assigning different values to the base_height and top_height variables. Does the position of the body’s top remain correct?</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_properly_attached_body_top.scad'' <pre> base_height = 5; top_height = 8; wheel_radius = 8; // Car body base cube([60,20,base_height],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,base_height/2+top_height/2 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,top_height],center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with properly attached body top.jpg|680px]] <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_higher_body.scad'' <pre> base_height = 8; top_height = 14;</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with higher body.jpg|680px]] You should remember that every time you parameterize some aspect of your model you should also parameterize additional dependent aspects to prevent your model from breaking apart. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try parameterizing the track (separation between left and right wheels) using a new variable named track. Try assigning different values to the track variable. What do you notice? Does any other aspect of your model depend on the value of the track variable? If yes, use the track variable to parameterize it so your model doesn’t break apart.</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_unattached_wheels.scad'' <pre> track = 40; // Front left wheel translate([-20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with unattached wheels.jpg|680px]] <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_with_properly_attached_wheels.scad'' <pre> track = 40; // Front left wheel translate([-20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=track,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=track,r=2,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car with properly attached wheels.jpg|680px]] == Challenge == The following script corresponds to the car model with parameterized wheel radius, base height, top height and track. <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid Gold;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: Gold;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''car_from_parameterized_script.scad'' <pre> $fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; wheel_radius = 8; base_height = 10; top_height = 10; track = 30; // Car body base cube([60,20,base_height],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,base_height/2+top_height/2 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,top_height],center=true); // Front left wheel translate([-20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=3,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=track,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=track,r=2,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Car from parameterized script.jpg|680px]] <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try using a wheel_width variable to parameterize the width of the wheels, a wheels_turn variable to parameterize the rotation of the front wheels around the Z axis and a body_roll variable to parameterize the rotation of the body around the X axis. Experiment with assigning different values to wheel_radius, base_height, top_height, track, wheel_width, wheels_turn and body_roll to create a version of the car that you like.</td> </tr> </table> <table class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 2px solid MediumSeaGreen;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: MediumSeaGreen;">Code</caption> <tr> <td> ''turning_car_from_parameterized_script.scad'' <pre> $fa = 1; $fs = 0.4; wheel_radius = 10; base_height = 10; top_height = 14; track = 40; wheel_width = 10; body_roll = -5; wheels_turn = 20; rotate([body_roll,0,0]) { // Car body base cube([60,20,base_height],center=true); // Car body top translate([5,0,base_height/2+top_height/2 - 0.001]) cube([30,20,top_height],center=true); } // Front left wheel translate([-20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,wheels_turn]) cylinder(h=wheel_width,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front right wheel translate([-20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,wheels_turn]) cylinder(h=wheel_width,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear left wheel translate([20,-track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=wheel_width,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Rear right wheel translate([20,track/2,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=wheel_width,r=wheel_radius,center=true); // Front axle translate([-20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=track,r=2,center=true); // Rear axle translate([20,0,0]) rotate([90,0,0]) cylinder(h=track,r=2,center=true);</pre> </td> </tr> </table> [[File:Turning car from parameterized script.jpg|680px]] By now it should be clear to you that parameterizing your models unlocks the power of reusing, customizing and iterating your designs as well as that of effortlessly exploring different possibilities. == Parameterizing your own models == Have you put your new skills into use? Have you created any other models yourself? <table class="wikitable" style="border: 2px solid DodgerBlue;"> <caption style="text-align: left; color: DodgerBlue;">Exercise</caption> <tr> <td>Try parameterizing a few aspects or more of the models that you have created. See how far you can go! Experiment with assigning various combinations of values to the variables that you have defined. See how different the versions of your designs can be.</td> </tr> </table> {{BookCat}} g35pkhpnlktste2u1ok9rdk0u937pmb Oberon/System Variants 0 446845 4653698 4642170 2026-07-10T21:48:16Z PeterEasthope 660399 /* Source Texts in Oberon */ Adjusted the description of the host environment for the 4653698 wikitext text/x-wiki {{center|[[Oberon/Naming|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; Naming</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Licenses|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Licenses &#x2192;</span>]]}} <br> The Oberon system runs directly on several machine architectures and as a subsystem in several host [[w:Operating system|operating systems]]. Order of rows is approximately chronological. For each variant (row), a link in the second column leads to additional information. <div id="VariantsTable"></div> ==Source Texts in [[Oberon/oreport|Oberon]]<ref name="Oberon"/>== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- | [[w:Ceres_(workstation)|Ceres workstation]]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X2321.2002A preserved Ceres]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102674736 preserved Ceres]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102722173 photo of Ceres 1]<br> [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] based [https://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?Language=English&CategoryNo=165&No=830#contents Cyclone V GX]. | [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)|The Oberon System]]<br>[[Oberon/The Oberon System, V1 and V2|V1 and V2]] | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Oberon.html Notes about Oberon] and [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Ceres.html implementation of Ceres]<!-- <br>by Udo M&ouml;ller, 2023-25. --><ref name="VCFE2024"/><ref name="Ceres"/><br>[https://github.com/pcayuela/Project-Oberon/tree/main/CERES%20Oberon%20V4/ASCII Project-Oberon at Sourceforge]<br>[https://bitsavers.org/ETH https://bitsavers.org/ETH] |- | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]] | [https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/68911 ''Oberon for PC on an MS-DOS Base''](PDF), [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/ Sourceforge]<br>[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon Github] | align="center" | README.TXT for System&#160;3, Release 2.0 at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ Sourceforge],<br>and at [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github] |- | Any system compatible with the included PAL library<ref name="PAL"/> | Cross-platform ETH Oberon, System&#160;3<ref name="Oberon"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3/ github]<ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon"/> |- | Any system providing [[w:ARM_architecture_family#32-bit_architecture|ARMv7]] capabilities, including [[w:Raspberry_Pi#Flagship_series|Raspi 2B, 3b & Zero2]]. |QEMU image and software operable on various Raspberry Pi machines. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3Native/releases/tag/2026-04-02 Github]. |} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |[[w:Ceres_(workstation)|Ceres workstation]].<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X2321.2002A Preserved Ceres].<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102674736 Preserved Ceres]. |[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)|The Oberon System]],<br> [[Oberon/The Oberon System, V1 and V2|V1 and V2]]. |[http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Oberon.html Notes about Oberon] and [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Ceres.html implementation of Ceres].<ref name="VCFE2024"/><ref name="Ceres"/><br> [https://github.com/pcayuela/Project-Oberon/tree/main/CERES%20Oberon%20V4/ASCII Project-Oberon at Sourceforge]. |77px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |[[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]]. |[https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/68911 ''Oberon for PC on an MS-DOS Base''](PDF), [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]. |README.TXT for System&#160;3, Release 2.0 at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ Sourceforge].<br> At [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github]. |75px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |Any system compatible with the included PAL library.<ref name="PAL"/> |Cross-platform ETH Oberon, System&#160;3.<ref name="Oberon"/> |[https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3/ Github].<ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon"/> |46px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes | Any system providing [[w:ARM_architecture_family#32-bit_architecture|ARMv7]] capabilities, including [[w:Raspberry_Pi#Flagship_series|Raspi 2B, 3b & Zero2]]. | QEMU image and software operable on various Raspberry Pi machines. | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3Native/releases/tag/2026-04-02 Github]. | 68px}} ==Source Texts in [https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~wgg/CSE131B/oberon2.htm Oberon-2]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! colspan="4" align="center" <!-- style="border-top: solid 2px" --> | Source Texts in [https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~wgg/CSE131B/oberon2.htm Oberon-2] |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- <!-- id="ETHO" --> |Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]<ref name="Transmeta"/> | [[Oberon/ETH Oberon|ETH Oberon]], formerly System 3, PC-Native Oberon.<br />[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Native_Oberon| Wikipedia]] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/nativeoberon/files/nativeoberon/ SourceForge] | align="left" | [[Oberon/ETH Oberon/install|ETHZ, actual diskettes]]<br> [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/QEMUinstall|Hypervisor using diskette images]].<br> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2O1yFrnos Oberon Tutorials] at YouTube<ref name="YouTube"/> |- | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]] | DOS Oberon System3, Version 2.0, [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]<ref name="DOS"/> | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ SourceForge]<br />[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/tree/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0 Github] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/README.TXT/download SourceForge]<br />[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github] |- | X86 PC with MS Windows | ETH Oberon for Windows<ref name="Windows"/> | align="center" | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT Github]<ref name="Win95NT"/> | align="center" | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT/PlugIn readme.txt] |- | HP Alpha [aka DEC AXP] with OpenVMS | [http://www.modulaware.com/mwovms.htm 64 bit (Linz-)Oberon System], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | align="center" | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ modulaware.com] | align="center" | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ OpenVMS Alpha] |- | X86, ARM, ARMv7,<br>[[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] with Linux | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/oberon-linux-revival-olr Oberon Linux Revival, OLR]<ref name="OLR"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] |- | X86 PC with Linux, UltraSPARC with Solaris or Sun3 with SunOS | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ Ulm Oberon] | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ulm.html HTML page] and manual pages in the downloads |- <!-- id="V4" --> | X86 PC with various operating systems<ref name="Linz"/> | [http://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html Linz-Oberon], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | align="center" | [http://olymp.idle.at/tanis/oberon.linux.html olymp.idle.at]<ref name="olymp"/> and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/files/ SourceForge] | align="center" | [http://olymp.idle.at/~tanis/INSTALL INSTALL at olymp.idle.at]<br>[https://sourceforge.net/p/oberon/wiki/Home/ Wiki at Sourceforge]. [https://github.com/btreut/Oberon4Linux-Bootstrap Update for the x86-64 PC]. |- | X86 PC with Windows or with *nix and Wine | [[w:BlackBox Component Builder|BlackBox Component Builder]], an [[w:Integrated_development_environment|IDE]] for [[w:Component_Pascal|Component Pascal]] <!-- | [[/BB/]] --> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/BlackBoxCenter BB Component Builder download]. |- | [[w:Common Language Infrastructure|.NET and CLI]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal, GPCP]] application for .NET and CLI<ref name="GPCP"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] |- | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal]] application for JVM<ref name="GPCP"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]]-[[w:IA-32|386]], [[w:Raspberry_Pi_OS|Rasbian]], [[w:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] | Ofront Oberon to C translator | colspan="2" align="center" | Josef Templ, [https://github.com/jtempl/ofront/ github] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/ Eigen Compiler Suite] | align="center" | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/releases/ Releases] | align="center" | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/manual User Manual] |- | Subsystem for Blackbox | Ofront+ Oberon to C translator | align="center" | various Oberon dialects | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/Oleg-N-Cher/OfrontPlus/ github] |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="ETHO">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |1=Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]<ref name="Transmeta"/> |2=[[Oberon/ETH Oberon|ETH Oberon]], formerly System 3, PC-Native Oberon. [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Native_Oberon|Wikipedia]]&#160; |3=[https://sourceforge.net/projects/nativeoberon/files/nativeoberon/ SourceForge]. [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/install|ETHZ, real diskettes]]. [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/QEMUinstall|Hypervisor with diskette images]]. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2O1yFrnos Oberon Tutorials at YouTube]<ref name="YouTube"/> |4=90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS-DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible&#160;OS]] | DOS Oberon System3, Version 2.0, [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]<ref name="DOS"/> | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ SourceForge] and [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/tree/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0 Github] | 50px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with MS Windows | ETH Oberon for Windows<ref name="Windows"/> | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT Github]<ref name="Win95NT"/> including [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT/PlugIn readme.txt]. | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | HP Alpha [aka DEC AXP] with OpenVMS | [http://www.modulaware.com/mwovms.htm 64 bit (Linz-)Oberon System], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ modulaware.com, OpenVMS Alpha] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86, ARM, ARMv7,<br>[[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] with Linux | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/oberon-linux-revival-olr Oberon Linux Revival, OLR]<ref name="OLR"/> | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Linux, UltraSPARC with Solaris or Sun3 with SunOS | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ Ulm Oberon] | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ulm.html HTML page] and manual pages in the downloads | 45px}} <div id="V4">{{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with various operating systems<ref name="Linz"/> | [http://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html Linz-Oberon], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | [http://olymp.idle.at/tanis/oberon.linux.html olymp.idle.at]<ref name="olymp"/>. [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/files/ SourceForge]. [http://olymp.idle.at/~tanis/INSTALL INSTALL at olymp.idle.at]. [https://sourceforge.net/p/oberon/wiki/Home/ Wiki at Sourceforge]. [https://github.com/btreut/Oberon4Linux-Bootstrap Update for the x86-64 PC]. | 85px}}</div> {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Windows or with *nix and Wine | [[w:BlackBox Component Builder|BlackBox Component Builder]], an [[w:Integrated_development_environment|IDE]] for [[w:Component_Pascal|Component Pascal]]. | [https://github.com/BlackBoxCenter BB Component Builder download]. | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Common Language Infrastructure|.NET and CLI]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal, GPCP]] application for .NET and CLI<ref name="GPCP"/> | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github]<br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] | 65px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal]] application for JVM<ref name="GPCP"/> | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]]-[[w:IA-32|386]], [[w:Raspberry_Pi_OS|Rasbian]], [[w:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] | Ofront Oberon to C translator | Josef Templ, [https://github.com/jtempl/ofront/ github] | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/ Eigen Compiler Suite] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/releases/ Releases] and [https://ecs.openbrace.org/manual User Manual]. | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Subsystem for Blackbox | Ofront+ Oberon to C translator | [https://github.com/Oleg-N-Cher/OfrontPlus/ OfrontPlus at github] for various Oberon dialects. | 45px}} ==Source Texts in [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/felixf/oberon/-/tree/main/docu Active Oberon]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- <!-- id="A2" --> | Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]. | [[Oberon/A2|A2 = AOS = Bluebottle]],<br />[[w:Bluebottle_OS|Bluebottle in Wikipedia]]. | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/a2oberon/files/ SourceForge]. | align="center" | [[Oberon/A2#The_A2_Repository|Contemporary instructions]].<ref name="portability"/> |- | X86 PC with Solaris,<br>Linux or MacOSX (Darwin). | [[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|UnixAos = UnixA2]]. | align="center" | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/ Uni-Bremen, G. Feldmann]. | align="center" | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/Readme.txt Readme.txt]. |- | X86 PC with A2 or UnixA2 or WinA2. | [[Oberon/A2#Oberon_Subsystem|Oberon subsystem of A2]]. | colspan="2" align="center" | Included in A2, UnixA2 and WinA2. |- |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="A2">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]. | [[Oberon/A2|A2 = AOS = Bluebottle]].<br>[[w:Bluebottle_OS|Bluebottle in Wikipedia]]. | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/a2oberon/files/ SourceForge].<br>[[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|Contemporary instructions]].<ref name="portability"/> | 50px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Solaris,<br>Linux or MacOSX (Darwin). | [[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|UnixAos = UnixA2]]. | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos Uni-Bremen, G. Feldmann]. [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/Readme.txt Readme.txt]. | 50px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with A2 or UnixA2 or WinA2. | [[Oberon/A2#Oberon_Subsystem|Oberon subsystem of A2]]. | Included in A2, UnixA2 and WinA2. | 50px}} ==Source Texts in [https://people.inf.ethz.ch/wirth/Oberon/index.html Oberon-07]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- | <!-- id="V5" --> | [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] | [[Oberon/V5|V5]],<br>[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Project_Oberon_2013|Oberon V5]] in Wikipedia | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/wirth/ N.&#160;Wirth]<br>[http://www.projectoberon.net/ P.&#160;Reed] |- | <!-- id="RISCemu" --> | [[Oberon/Android]], [[w:Linux|Linux]],<br> [[w:MacOS|Mac OS X]], [[w:Unix|Unix]] or<br> [[w:Windows_NT|MS Windows]] on a wide variety of machines<ref name="RISCemuRequirements"/> | RISC Emulator written in C. | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [https://github.com/pdewacht/oberon-risc-emu P. De Wachter] |- | Unix command line | Norebo<ref name="norebo"/> <!-- | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/pdewacht/project-norebo P. De Wachter] --> |- | <!-- id="ExtendedOberon" --> | Oberon [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] processor or emulation of it<ref name="ExtOberonFootnote"/> | [[Oberon/Extended_Oberon|Extended Oberon]] | colspan="2" align="center" | A. Pirklbauer<br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/README.md README] [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/Documentation/ Documentation]<br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended Oberon{{nbhyph}}extended]<ref name="ExtOberonName"/><br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-retro-compiler Oberon-retro-compiler] |- | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:JavaScript|JavaScript]]. | rowspan="2" colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. |- | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:Java_(programming language)|Java]]. |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]] or [[w:MacOS|Mac OS]] | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Integrated Oberon] with an emulator written in the [[w:Go_(programming_language)|Go programming language]]. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Charles Perkins] |- | <!-- id="POL" --> | ARMv7, [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] running Linux. [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] running [[w:FreeRTOS|FreeRTOS]] on Sipeed M1s, Linux 32bit and Linux 64bit. | Project Oberon Linux, POL;<br>Using native compiler and Linux Kernel functions. | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] |- | rowspan="2" | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | Project Oberon using oberonc compiler from L. Boasso <!-- | colspan="2" |P. Matthias --> |- | [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc Oberonc] compiler for Oberon-07.<ref name="TypeRules"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ L. Boasso] |- | Any system capable of running QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/qemu-risc6 qemu-risc6] fork of QEMU | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/ Charles Perkins]. |- | Any system capable of running [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox BlackBox Component Builder] | Oberon-07 compiler written in Oberon-2. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox Alexander V. Shiryaev] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu Rikke Solbjørg] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] with [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] or a bare [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] machine. | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv oberon-riscv] <!-- | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv Rikke Solbjørg] --> |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="V5">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] | [[Oberon/V5|V5]] and [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Project_Oberon_2013|Oberon V5]] in Wikipedia. | [https://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/wirth/ N.&#160;Wirth], [http://www.projectoberon.net/ P.&#160;Reed]. | 25px}}</div> <div id="RISCemu">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[Oberon/Android]], [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:Windows_NT|MS Windows]], [[w:MacOS|Mac OS X]] or [[w:Unix|Unix]] on a wide variety of machines<ref name="RISCemuRequirements"/> | RISC Emulator written in C. | [https://github.com/pdewacht/oberon-risc-emu P. De Wachter] | 70px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Unix command line | Norebo<ref name="norebo"/> | [https://github.com/pdewacht/project-norebo P. De Wachter] | 25px}} <div id="ExtendedOberon">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Oberon [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] processor or emulation of it<ref name="ExtOberonFootnote"/> | [[Oberon/Extended_Oberon|Extended Oberon]] | A. Pirklbauer, [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/README.md README], [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/Documentation/ Documentation], [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended Oberon{{nbhyph}}extended]<ref name="ExtOberonName"/> and [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-retro-compiler Oberon-retro-compiler]. | 90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:JavaScript|JavaScript]]. | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:Java_(programming language)|Java]]. | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]] or [[w:MacOS|Mac OS]] | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Integrated Oberon] with an emulator written in the [[w:Go_(programming_language)|Go programming language]]. | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Charles Perkins] | 67px}} <div id="POL">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | ARMv7, [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] running Linux. [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] running [[w:FreeRTOS|FreeRTOS]] on [https://dl.sipeed.com/fileList/MAIX/HDK/Sipeed-M1&M1W/Specifications/Sipeed%20M1%20Datasheet%20EN%20V1.12.pdf Sipeed M1s] and Linux 32bit or Linux 64bit.<ref name="POV"/> | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/project-oberon-v Project Oberon Linux, POL];<br>Using native compiler and Linux Kernel functions. | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | Project Oberon using oberonc compiler from L. Boasso | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc Oberonc] compiler for Oberon-07.<ref name="TypeRules"/> | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ L. Boasso] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Any system capable of running QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/qemu-risc6 qemu-risc6] fork of QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/ Charles Perkins]. | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Any system capable of running [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox BlackBox Component Builder] | Oberon-07 compiler written in Oberon-2. | [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox Alexander V. Shiryaev] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu Rikke Solbjørg] | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] with [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] or a bare [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] machine. | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv oberon-riscv] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv Rikke Solbjørg] | 67px}} ==Footnotes== {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="Oberon">The Oberon language evolved through several variations including [https://people.inf.ethz.ch/wirth/Oberon/Oberon.Report.pdf Oberon-90] in which Cross-platform Oberon is written. The differences between the latest 1990 version of Oberon and the 1991 superset, Oberon-2, are explained in bibliography references [[Oberon/authors#M|Moe91]] and [[Oberon/authors#M|MoW91a]].</ref> <ref name="HostEnvironment">In some cases the host environment is a bare machine. Otherwise it is a machine running another system.</ref> <ref name="VCFE2024">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEdHiE-HoGE&t=2145s Presentation at VCFE 23.0], September 2024. Jump to 35:46.</ref> <ref name="Ceres">Hypothetically a Ceres can also be built with [http://cpu-ns32k.net/Gilbert.html wire wrap].</ref> <ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon">Links to precompiled images for MS Windows, Linux and MacOS are at the bottom of the Github page.</ref> <ref name="PAL">PAL = Platform Abstraction Layer written by Rochus Keller and included with Cross-platform Oberon. Precompiled systems are currently available for Linux x86 & x64, Mac M1 & x64 and Windows x86 & x64. Porting to another system is primarily porting the PAL library.</ref> <ref name="Transmeta">Including the [[w:Transmeta_Crusoe|Transmeta Crusoe 5400]] and the [[w:StrongARM|StrongARM SA 110 and SA 1110]].</ref> <ref name="YouTube">A PC can boot from an Oberon0 diskette in an internal drive. In that case installation of ETH Oberon can proceed directly without involvement of DOS. Part 2 in the series includes a helpful explanation of the user interface.</ref> <ref name="DOS">Sources for [https://github.com/Project-Oberon/Source-Code/tree/main/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Release%202.0 Release 2.0] are available. ASCII sources can be read with any contemporary editor. The Text sources should be read in an Oberon system; otherwise display by Linux gedit may be tolerable.</ref> <ref name="Windows">Also referred to as "ETH Oberon Plugin for Windows" and "Spirit of Oberon System3 for Windows".</ref> <ref name="Win95NT">A server at ftp&#58;//ftp.ssw.uni-linz.ac.at/ remains accessible to an FTP client and installation archives can be retrieved. The Firefox browser is unable to navigate into the subdirectories.</ref> <ref name="OLR">Sources following ETH Oberon closely. Note "Current state ... network not working."</ref> <ref name="Linz">V4 can also execute on obsolete systems [[w:Motorola_68000_series|680x0 MacIntosh]] and [[w:PowerMac|PowerMac]] with [[w:MacOS|MacOS]] to version 9 inclusive, [[w:Amiga|Amiga]], [[w:Atari_ST|Atari ST]], [[w:DECstation|DECstation]], [[w:HPUX|HP-UX]], [[w:IBM_RISC_Dystem/6000|IBM RS/6000]], [[w:SGI_IRIS|SGI IRIS]] and [[w:Sparc|SPARC]] with [[w:Solaris_(operating_system)|Solaris]]. Refer to [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/ https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/] and [https://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html https://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html]. A native version has not been produced.</ref> <ref name="olymp">olymp.idle.at has verion 1.7.02. The last version at JKU Linz is 1.5.</ref> <ref name="GPCP">GPCP provides a compiler for Component Pascal; not a full Oberon subsystem.</ref> <ref name="portability">During the summer of 2019 work was underway at the ETHZ to improve portability and other aspects. Until the work is completed, the user may encounter difficulties with the native variant of A2. The Oberon subsystem remains available in UnixA2 and WinA2. A notice was in the [http://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/ mailing list at 2019-07-03]. Patience is advised.</ref> <ref name="RISCemuRequirements">The SDL2 library and a C99 capable C compiler are required. GCC or Clang suffice for compiling the emulator.</ref> <ref name="norebo">A software allowing execution of an Oberon command without the Oberon system and interface. The Oberon compiler, for example, can be executed at the Unix command line.</ref> <ref name="ExtOberonFootnote">Extended Oberon does not modify the RISC processor; it modifies only the Oberon system which runs on it.</ref> <ref name="ExtOberonName">Nomenclature explained in the [https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/2023/016552.html Oberon mailing list at 2023-01-18].</ref> <ref name="POV"><!-- <[https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/2026/??.html Reply from Peter Mathias to the Oberon list at 2026.07.02.]</ref> --> <ref name="TypeRules">The [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc/blob/master/doc/TypeRules.md TypeRules document] is noteworthy. Specific aspects of [[w:Data_type|types]] are discussed in the [http://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/ mailing list] beginning at 2019-12-07.</ref> }} <br> {{center|[[Oberon/Naming|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; Naming</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Licenses|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Licenses &#x2192;</span>]]}} {{BookCat}} 2kyjio7omkfa0ca5j92gvihaghcp1bu 4653703 4653698 2026-07-10T21:52:19Z PeterEasthope 660399 /* Footnotes */ Note about compatibility. 4653703 wikitext text/x-wiki {{center|[[Oberon/Naming|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; Naming</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Licenses|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Licenses &#x2192;</span>]]}} <br> The Oberon system runs directly on several machine architectures and as a subsystem in several host [[w:Operating system|operating systems]]. Order of rows is approximately chronological. For each variant (row), a link in the second column leads to additional information. <div id="VariantsTable"></div> ==Source Texts in [[Oberon/oreport|Oberon]]<ref name="Oberon"/>== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- | [[w:Ceres_(workstation)|Ceres workstation]]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X2321.2002A preserved Ceres]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102674736 preserved Ceres]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102722173 photo of Ceres 1]<br> [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] based [https://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?Language=English&CategoryNo=165&No=830#contents Cyclone V GX]. | [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)|The Oberon System]]<br>[[Oberon/The Oberon System, V1 and V2|V1 and V2]] | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Oberon.html Notes about Oberon] and [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Ceres.html implementation of Ceres]<!-- <br>by Udo M&ouml;ller, 2023-25. --><ref name="VCFE2024"/><ref name="Ceres"/><br>[https://github.com/pcayuela/Project-Oberon/tree/main/CERES%20Oberon%20V4/ASCII Project-Oberon at Sourceforge]<br>[https://bitsavers.org/ETH https://bitsavers.org/ETH] |- | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]] | [https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/68911 ''Oberon for PC on an MS-DOS Base''](PDF), [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/ Sourceforge]<br>[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon Github] | align="center" | README.TXT for System&#160;3, Release 2.0 at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ Sourceforge],<br>and at [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github] |- | Any system compatible with the included PAL library<ref name="PAL"/> | Cross-platform ETH Oberon, System&#160;3<ref name="Oberon"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3/ github]<ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon"/> |- | Any system providing [[w:ARM_architecture_family#32-bit_architecture|ARMv7]] capabilities, including [[w:Raspberry_Pi#Flagship_series|Raspi 2B, 3b & Zero2]]. |QEMU image and software operable on various Raspberry Pi machines. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3Native/releases/tag/2026-04-02 Github]. |} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |[[w:Ceres_(workstation)|Ceres workstation]].<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X2321.2002A Preserved Ceres].<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102674736 Preserved Ceres]. |[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)|The Oberon System]],<br> [[Oberon/The Oberon System, V1 and V2|V1 and V2]]. |[http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Oberon.html Notes about Oberon] and [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Ceres.html implementation of Ceres].<ref name="VCFE2024"/><ref name="Ceres"/><br> [https://github.com/pcayuela/Project-Oberon/tree/main/CERES%20Oberon%20V4/ASCII Project-Oberon at Sourceforge]. |77px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |[[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]]. |[https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/68911 ''Oberon for PC on an MS-DOS Base''](PDF), [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]. |README.TXT for System&#160;3, Release 2.0 at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ Sourceforge].<br> At [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github]. |75px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |Any system compatible with the included PAL library.<ref name="PAL"/> |Cross-platform ETH Oberon, System&#160;3.<ref name="Oberon"/> |[https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3/ Github].<ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon"/> |46px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes | Any system providing [[w:ARM_architecture_family#32-bit_architecture|ARMv7]] capabilities, including [[w:Raspberry_Pi#Flagship_series|Raspi 2B, 3b & Zero2]]. | QEMU image and software operable on various Raspberry Pi machines. | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3Native/releases/tag/2026-04-02 Github]. | 68px}} ==Source Texts in [https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~wgg/CSE131B/oberon2.htm Oberon-2]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! colspan="4" align="center" <!-- style="border-top: solid 2px" --> | Source Texts in [https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~wgg/CSE131B/oberon2.htm Oberon-2] |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- <!-- id="ETHO" --> |Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]<ref name="Transmeta"/> | [[Oberon/ETH Oberon|ETH Oberon]], formerly System 3, PC-Native Oberon.<br />[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Native_Oberon| Wikipedia]] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/nativeoberon/files/nativeoberon/ SourceForge] | align="left" | [[Oberon/ETH Oberon/install|ETHZ, actual diskettes]]<br> [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/QEMUinstall|Hypervisor using diskette images]].<br> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2O1yFrnos Oberon Tutorials] at YouTube<ref name="YouTube"/> |- | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]] | DOS Oberon System3, Version 2.0, [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]<ref name="DOS"/> | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ SourceForge]<br />[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/tree/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0 Github] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/README.TXT/download SourceForge]<br />[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github] |- | X86 PC with MS Windows | ETH Oberon for Windows<ref name="Windows"/> | align="center" | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT Github]<ref name="Win95NT"/> | align="center" | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT/PlugIn readme.txt] |- | HP Alpha [aka DEC AXP] with OpenVMS | [http://www.modulaware.com/mwovms.htm 64 bit (Linz-)Oberon System], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | align="center" | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ modulaware.com] | align="center" | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ OpenVMS Alpha] |- | X86, ARM, ARMv7,<br>[[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] with Linux | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/oberon-linux-revival-olr Oberon Linux Revival, OLR]<ref name="OLR"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] |- | X86 PC with Linux, UltraSPARC with Solaris or Sun3 with SunOS | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ Ulm Oberon] | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ulm.html HTML page] and manual pages in the downloads |- <!-- id="V4" --> | X86 PC with various operating systems<ref name="Linz"/> | [http://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html Linz-Oberon], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | align="center" | [http://olymp.idle.at/tanis/oberon.linux.html olymp.idle.at]<ref name="olymp"/> and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/files/ SourceForge] | align="center" | [http://olymp.idle.at/~tanis/INSTALL INSTALL at olymp.idle.at]<br>[https://sourceforge.net/p/oberon/wiki/Home/ Wiki at Sourceforge]. [https://github.com/btreut/Oberon4Linux-Bootstrap Update for the x86-64 PC]. |- | X86 PC with Windows or with *nix and Wine | [[w:BlackBox Component Builder|BlackBox Component Builder]], an [[w:Integrated_development_environment|IDE]] for [[w:Component_Pascal|Component Pascal]] <!-- | [[/BB/]] --> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/BlackBoxCenter BB Component Builder download]. |- | [[w:Common Language Infrastructure|.NET and CLI]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal, GPCP]] application for .NET and CLI<ref name="GPCP"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] |- | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal]] application for JVM<ref name="GPCP"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]]-[[w:IA-32|386]], [[w:Raspberry_Pi_OS|Rasbian]], [[w:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] | Ofront Oberon to C translator | colspan="2" align="center" | Josef Templ, [https://github.com/jtempl/ofront/ github] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/ Eigen Compiler Suite] | align="center" | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/releases/ Releases] | align="center" | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/manual User Manual] |- | Subsystem for Blackbox | Ofront+ Oberon to C translator | align="center" | various Oberon dialects | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/Oleg-N-Cher/OfrontPlus/ github] |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="ETHO">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |1=Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]<ref name="Transmeta"/> |2=[[Oberon/ETH Oberon|ETH Oberon]], formerly System 3, PC-Native Oberon. [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Native_Oberon|Wikipedia]]&#160; |3=[https://sourceforge.net/projects/nativeoberon/files/nativeoberon/ SourceForge]. [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/install|ETHZ, real diskettes]]. [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/QEMUinstall|Hypervisor with diskette images]]. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2O1yFrnos Oberon Tutorials at YouTube]<ref name="YouTube"/> |4=90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS-DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible&#160;OS]] | DOS Oberon System3, Version 2.0, [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]<ref name="DOS"/> | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ SourceForge] and [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/tree/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0 Github] | 50px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with MS Windows | ETH Oberon for Windows<ref name="Windows"/> | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT Github]<ref name="Win95NT"/> including [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT/PlugIn readme.txt]. | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | HP Alpha [aka DEC AXP] with OpenVMS | [http://www.modulaware.com/mwovms.htm 64 bit (Linz-)Oberon System], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ modulaware.com, OpenVMS Alpha] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86, ARM, ARMv7,<br>[[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] with Linux | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/oberon-linux-revival-olr Oberon Linux Revival, OLR]<ref name="OLR"/> | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Linux, UltraSPARC with Solaris or Sun3 with SunOS | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ Ulm Oberon] | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ulm.html HTML page] and manual pages in the downloads | 45px}} <div id="V4">{{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with various operating systems<ref name="Linz"/> | [http://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html Linz-Oberon], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | [http://olymp.idle.at/tanis/oberon.linux.html olymp.idle.at]<ref name="olymp"/>. [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/files/ SourceForge]. [http://olymp.idle.at/~tanis/INSTALL INSTALL at olymp.idle.at]. [https://sourceforge.net/p/oberon/wiki/Home/ Wiki at Sourceforge]. [https://github.com/btreut/Oberon4Linux-Bootstrap Update for the x86-64 PC]. | 85px}}</div> {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Windows or with *nix and Wine | [[w:BlackBox Component Builder|BlackBox Component Builder]], an [[w:Integrated_development_environment|IDE]] for [[w:Component_Pascal|Component Pascal]]. | [https://github.com/BlackBoxCenter BB Component Builder download]. | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Common Language Infrastructure|.NET and CLI]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal, GPCP]] application for .NET and CLI<ref name="GPCP"/> | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github]<br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] | 65px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal]] application for JVM<ref name="GPCP"/> | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]]-[[w:IA-32|386]], [[w:Raspberry_Pi_OS|Rasbian]], [[w:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] | Ofront Oberon to C translator | Josef Templ, [https://github.com/jtempl/ofront/ github] | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/ Eigen Compiler Suite] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/releases/ Releases] and [https://ecs.openbrace.org/manual User Manual]. | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Subsystem for Blackbox | Ofront+ Oberon to C translator | [https://github.com/Oleg-N-Cher/OfrontPlus/ OfrontPlus at github] for various Oberon dialects. | 45px}} ==Source Texts in [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/felixf/oberon/-/tree/main/docu Active Oberon]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- <!-- id="A2" --> | Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]. | [[Oberon/A2|A2 = AOS = Bluebottle]],<br />[[w:Bluebottle_OS|Bluebottle in Wikipedia]]. | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/a2oberon/files/ SourceForge]. | align="center" | [[Oberon/A2#The_A2_Repository|Contemporary instructions]].<ref name="portability"/> |- | X86 PC with Solaris,<br>Linux or MacOSX (Darwin). | [[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|UnixAos = UnixA2]]. | align="center" | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/ Uni-Bremen, G. Feldmann]. | align="center" | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/Readme.txt Readme.txt]. |- | X86 PC with A2 or UnixA2 or WinA2. | [[Oberon/A2#Oberon_Subsystem|Oberon subsystem of A2]]. | colspan="2" align="center" | Included in A2, UnixA2 and WinA2. |- |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="A2">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]. | [[Oberon/A2|A2 = AOS = Bluebottle]].<br>[[w:Bluebottle_OS|Bluebottle in Wikipedia]]. | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/a2oberon/files/ SourceForge].<br>[[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|Contemporary instructions]].<ref name="portability"/> | 50px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Solaris,<br>Linux or MacOSX (Darwin). | [[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|UnixAos = UnixA2]]. | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos Uni-Bremen, G. Feldmann]. [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/Readme.txt Readme.txt]. | 50px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with A2 or UnixA2 or WinA2. | [[Oberon/A2#Oberon_Subsystem|Oberon subsystem of A2]]. | Included in A2, UnixA2 and WinA2. | 50px}} ==Source Texts in [https://people.inf.ethz.ch/wirth/Oberon/index.html Oberon-07]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- | <!-- id="V5" --> | [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] | [[Oberon/V5|V5]],<br>[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Project_Oberon_2013|Oberon V5]] in Wikipedia | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/wirth/ N.&#160;Wirth]<br>[http://www.projectoberon.net/ P.&#160;Reed] |- | <!-- id="RISCemu" --> | [[Oberon/Android]], [[w:Linux|Linux]],<br> [[w:MacOS|Mac OS X]], [[w:Unix|Unix]] or<br> [[w:Windows_NT|MS Windows]] on a wide variety of machines<ref name="RISCemuRequirements"/> | RISC Emulator written in C. | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [https://github.com/pdewacht/oberon-risc-emu P. De Wachter] |- | Unix command line | Norebo<ref name="norebo"/> <!-- | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/pdewacht/project-norebo P. De Wachter] --> |- | <!-- id="ExtendedOberon" --> | Oberon [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] processor or emulation of it<ref name="ExtOberonFootnote"/> | [[Oberon/Extended_Oberon|Extended Oberon]] | colspan="2" align="center" | A. Pirklbauer<br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/README.md README] [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/Documentation/ Documentation]<br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended Oberon{{nbhyph}}extended]<ref name="ExtOberonName"/><br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-retro-compiler Oberon-retro-compiler] |- | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:JavaScript|JavaScript]]. | rowspan="2" colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. |- | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:Java_(programming language)|Java]]. |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]] or [[w:MacOS|Mac OS]] | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Integrated Oberon] with an emulator written in the [[w:Go_(programming_language)|Go programming language]]. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Charles Perkins] |- | <!-- id="POL" --> | ARMv7, [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] running Linux. [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] running [[w:FreeRTOS|FreeRTOS]] on Sipeed M1s, Linux 32bit and Linux 64bit. | Project Oberon Linux, POL;<br>Using native compiler and Linux Kernel functions. | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] |- | rowspan="2" | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | Project Oberon using oberonc compiler from L. Boasso <!-- | colspan="2" |P. Matthias --> |- | [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc Oberonc] compiler for Oberon-07.<ref name="TypeRules"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ L. Boasso] |- | Any system capable of running QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/qemu-risc6 qemu-risc6] fork of QEMU | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/ Charles Perkins]. |- | Any system capable of running [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox BlackBox Component Builder] | Oberon-07 compiler written in Oberon-2. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox Alexander V. Shiryaev] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu Rikke Solbjørg] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] with [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] or a bare [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] machine. | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv oberon-riscv] <!-- | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv Rikke Solbjørg] --> |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="V5">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] | [[Oberon/V5|V5]] and [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Project_Oberon_2013|Oberon V5]] in Wikipedia. | [https://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/wirth/ N.&#160;Wirth], [http://www.projectoberon.net/ P.&#160;Reed]. | 25px}}</div> <div id="RISCemu">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[Oberon/Android]], [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:Windows_NT|MS Windows]], [[w:MacOS|Mac OS X]] or [[w:Unix|Unix]] on a wide variety of machines<ref name="RISCemuRequirements"/> | RISC Emulator written in C. | [https://github.com/pdewacht/oberon-risc-emu P. De Wachter] | 70px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Unix command line | Norebo<ref name="norebo"/> | [https://github.com/pdewacht/project-norebo P. De Wachter] | 25px}} <div id="ExtendedOberon">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Oberon [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] processor or emulation of it<ref name="ExtOberonFootnote"/> | [[Oberon/Extended_Oberon|Extended Oberon]] | A. Pirklbauer, [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/README.md README], [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/Documentation/ Documentation], [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended Oberon{{nbhyph}}extended]<ref name="ExtOberonName"/> and [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-retro-compiler Oberon-retro-compiler]. | 90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:JavaScript|JavaScript]]. | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:Java_(programming language)|Java]]. | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]] or [[w:MacOS|Mac OS]] | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Integrated Oberon] with an emulator written in the [[w:Go_(programming_language)|Go programming language]]. | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Charles Perkins] | 67px}} <div id="POL">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | ARMv7, [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] running Linux. [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] running [[w:FreeRTOS|FreeRTOS]] on [https://dl.sipeed.com/fileList/MAIX/HDK/Sipeed-M1&M1W/Specifications/Sipeed%20M1%20Datasheet%20EN%20V1.12.pdf Sipeed M1s] and Linux 32bit or Linux 64bit.<ref name="POV"/> | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/project-oberon-v Project Oberon Linux, POL];<br>Using native compiler and Linux Kernel functions. | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | Project Oberon using oberonc compiler from L. Boasso | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc Oberonc] compiler for Oberon-07.<ref name="TypeRules"/> | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ L. Boasso] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Any system capable of running QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/qemu-risc6 qemu-risc6] fork of QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/ Charles Perkins]. | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Any system capable of running [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox BlackBox Component Builder] | Oberon-07 compiler written in Oberon-2. | [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox Alexander V. Shiryaev] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu Rikke Solbjørg] | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] with [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] or a bare [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] machine. | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv oberon-riscv] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv Rikke Solbjørg] | 67px}} ==Footnotes== {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="Oberon">The Oberon language evolved through several variations including [https://people.inf.ethz.ch/wirth/Oberon/Oberon.Report.pdf Oberon-90] in which Cross-platform Oberon is written. The differences between the latest 1990 version of Oberon and the 1991 superset, Oberon-2, are explained in bibliography references [[Oberon/authors#M|Moe91]] and [[Oberon/authors#M|MoW91a]].</ref> <ref name="HostEnvironment">In some cases the host environment is a bare machine. Otherwise it is a machine running another system.</ref> <ref name="VCFE2024">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEdHiE-HoGE&t=2145s Presentation at VCFE 23.0], September 2024. Jump to 35:46.</ref> <ref name="Ceres">Hypothetically a Ceres can also be built with [http://cpu-ns32k.net/Gilbert.html wire wrap].</ref> <ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon">Links to precompiled images for MS Windows, Linux and MacOS are at the bottom of the Github page.</ref> <ref name="PAL">PAL = Platform Abstraction Layer written by Rochus Keller and included with Cross-platform Oberon. Precompiled systems are currently available for Linux x86 & x64, Mac M1 & x64 and Windows x86 & x64. Porting to another system is primarily porting the PAL library.</ref> <ref name="ARM">ARMv8 processors are backward compatible to v7.</ref> <ref name="Transmeta">Including the [[w:Transmeta_Crusoe|Transmeta Crusoe 5400]] and the [[w:StrongARM|StrongARM SA 110 and SA 1110]].</ref> <ref name="YouTube">A PC can boot from an Oberon0 diskette in an internal drive. In that case installation of ETH Oberon can proceed directly without involvement of DOS. Part 2 in the series includes a helpful explanation of the user interface.</ref> <ref name="DOS">Sources for [https://github.com/Project-Oberon/Source-Code/tree/main/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Release%202.0 Release 2.0] are available. ASCII sources can be read with any contemporary editor. The Text sources should be read in an Oberon system; otherwise display by Linux gedit may be tolerable.</ref> <ref name="Windows">Also referred to as "ETH Oberon Plugin for Windows" and "Spirit of Oberon System3 for Windows".</ref> <ref name="Win95NT">A server at ftp&#58;//ftp.ssw.uni-linz.ac.at/ remains accessible to an FTP client and installation archives can be retrieved. The Firefox browser is unable to navigate into the subdirectories.</ref> <ref name="OLR">Sources following ETH Oberon closely. Note "Current state ... network not working."</ref> <ref name="Linz">V4 can also execute on obsolete systems [[w:Motorola_68000_series|680x0 MacIntosh]] and [[w:PowerMac|PowerMac]] with [[w:MacOS|MacOS]] to version 9 inclusive, [[w:Amiga|Amiga]], [[w:Atari_ST|Atari ST]], [[w:DECstation|DECstation]], [[w:HPUX|HP-UX]], [[w:IBM_RISC_Dystem/6000|IBM RS/6000]], [[w:SGI_IRIS|SGI IRIS]] and [[w:Sparc|SPARC]] with [[w:Solaris_(operating_system)|Solaris]]. Refer to [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/ https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/] and [https://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html https://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html]. A native version has not been produced.</ref> <ref name="olymp">olymp.idle.at has verion 1.7.02. The last version at JKU Linz is 1.5.</ref> <ref name="GPCP">GPCP provides a compiler for Component Pascal; not a full Oberon subsystem.</ref> <ref name="portability">During the summer of 2019 work was underway at the ETHZ to improve portability and other aspects. Until the work is completed, the user may encounter difficulties with the native variant of A2. The Oberon subsystem remains available in UnixA2 and WinA2. A notice was in the [http://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/ mailing list at 2019-07-03]. Patience is advised.</ref> <ref name="RISCemuRequirements">The SDL2 library and a C99 capable C compiler are required. GCC or Clang suffice for compiling the emulator.</ref> <ref name="norebo">A software allowing execution of an Oberon command without the Oberon system and interface. The Oberon compiler, for example, can be executed at the Unix command line.</ref> <ref name="ExtOberonFootnote">Extended Oberon does not modify the RISC processor; it modifies only the Oberon system which runs on it.</ref> <ref name="ExtOberonName">Nomenclature explained in the [https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/2023/016552.html Oberon mailing list at 2023-01-18].</ref> <ref name="POV"><!-- <[https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/2026/??.html Reply from Peter Mathias to the Oberon list at 2026.07.02.]</ref> --> <ref name="TypeRules">The [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc/blob/master/doc/TypeRules.md TypeRules document] is noteworthy. Specific aspects of [[w:Data_type|types]] are discussed in the [http://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/ mailing list] beginning at 2019-12-07.</ref> }} <br> {{center|[[Oberon/Naming|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; Naming</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Licenses|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Licenses &#x2192;</span>]]}} {{BookCat}} eiufmyhdcbwgw8u0me9d1bu1l4a3gms 4653704 4653703 2026-07-10T21:56:02Z PeterEasthope 660399 /* Source Texts in Oberon */ Added citations to the ARM footnote. 4653704 wikitext text/x-wiki {{center|[[Oberon/Naming|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; Naming</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Licenses|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Licenses &#x2192;</span>]]}} <br> The Oberon system runs directly on several machine architectures and as a subsystem in several host [[w:Operating system|operating systems]]. Order of rows is approximately chronological. For each variant (row), a link in the second column leads to additional information. <div id="VariantsTable"></div> ==Source Texts in [[Oberon/oreport|Oberon]]<ref name="Oberon"/>== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- | [[w:Ceres_(workstation)|Ceres workstation]]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X2321.2002A preserved Ceres]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102674736 preserved Ceres]<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102722173 photo of Ceres 1]<br> [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] based [https://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?Language=English&CategoryNo=165&No=830#contents Cyclone V GX]. | [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)|The Oberon System]]<br>[[Oberon/The Oberon System, V1 and V2|V1 and V2]] | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Oberon.html Notes about Oberon] and [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Ceres.html implementation of Ceres]<!-- <br>by Udo M&ouml;ller, 2023-25. --><ref name="VCFE2024"/><ref name="Ceres"/><br>[https://github.com/pcayuela/Project-Oberon/tree/main/CERES%20Oberon%20V4/ASCII Project-Oberon at Sourceforge]<br>[https://bitsavers.org/ETH https://bitsavers.org/ETH] |- | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]] | [https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/68911 ''Oberon for PC on an MS-DOS Base''](PDF), [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/ Sourceforge]<br>[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon Github] | align="center" | README.TXT for System&#160;3, Release 2.0 at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ Sourceforge],<br>and at [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github] |- | Any system compatible with the included PAL library<ref name="PAL"/> | Cross-platform ETH Oberon, System&#160;3<ref name="Oberon"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3/ github]<ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon"/> |- | Any system providing [[w:ARM_architecture_family#32-bit_architecture|ARMv7]] capabilities, including [[w:Raspberry_Pi#Flagship_series|Raspi 2B, 3b & Zero2]].<ref name="ARM"/> |QEMU image and software operable on various Raspberry Pi machines. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3Native/releases/tag/2026-04-02 Github]. |} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |[[w:Ceres_(workstation)|Ceres workstation]].<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X2321.2002A Preserved Ceres].<br> [http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102674736 Preserved Ceres]. |[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)|The Oberon System]],<br> [[Oberon/The Oberon System, V1 and V2|V1 and V2]]. |[http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Oberon.html Notes about Oberon] and [http://www.cpu-ns32k.net/Ceres.html implementation of Ceres].<ref name="VCFE2024"/><ref name="Ceres"/><br> [https://github.com/pcayuela/Project-Oberon/tree/main/CERES%20Oberon%20V4/ASCII Project-Oberon at Sourceforge]. |77px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |[[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]]. |[https://www.research-collection.ethz.ch/handle/20.500.11850/68911 ''Oberon for PC on an MS-DOS Base''](PDF), [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]. |README.TXT for System&#160;3, Release 2.0 at [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ Sourceforge].<br> At [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github]. |75px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes |Any system compatible with the included PAL library.<ref name="PAL"/> |Cross-platform ETH Oberon, System&#160;3.<ref name="Oberon"/> |[https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3/ Github].<ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon"/> |46px}} {{:Oberon/ThreeBoxes | Any system providing [[w:ARM_architecture_family#32-bit_architecture|ARMv7]] capabilities, including [[w:Raspberry_Pi#Flagship_series|Raspi 2B, 3b & Zero2]].<ref name="ARM"/> | QEMU image and software operable on various Raspberry Pi machines. | [https://github.com/rochus-keller/OberonSystem3Native/releases/tag/2026-04-02 Github]. | 68px}} ==Source Texts in [https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~wgg/CSE131B/oberon2.htm Oberon-2]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! colspan="4" align="center" <!-- style="border-top: solid 2px" --> | Source Texts in [https://cseweb.ucsd.edu/~wgg/CSE131B/oberon2.htm Oberon-2] |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- <!-- id="ETHO" --> |Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]<ref name="Transmeta"/> | [[Oberon/ETH Oberon|ETH Oberon]], formerly System 3, PC-Native Oberon.<br />[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Native_Oberon| Wikipedia]] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/nativeoberon/files/nativeoberon/ SourceForge] | align="left" | [[Oberon/ETH Oberon/install|ETHZ, actual diskettes]]<br> [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/QEMUinstall|Hypervisor using diskette images]].<br> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2O1yFrnos Oberon Tutorials] at YouTube<ref name="YouTube"/> |- | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS_DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible OS]] | DOS Oberon System3, Version 2.0, [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]<ref name="DOS"/> | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ SourceForge]<br />[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/tree/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0 Github] | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/README.TXT/download SourceForge]<br />[https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/blob/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0/README.TXT Github] |- | X86 PC with MS Windows | ETH Oberon for Windows<ref name="Windows"/> | align="center" | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT Github]<ref name="Win95NT"/> | align="center" | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT/PlugIn readme.txt] |- | HP Alpha [aka DEC AXP] with OpenVMS | [http://www.modulaware.com/mwovms.htm 64 bit (Linz-)Oberon System], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | align="center" | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ modulaware.com] | align="center" | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ OpenVMS Alpha] |- | X86, ARM, ARMv7,<br>[[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] with Linux | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/oberon-linux-revival-olr Oberon Linux Revival, OLR]<ref name="OLR"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] |- | X86 PC with Linux, UltraSPARC with Solaris or Sun3 with SunOS | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ Ulm Oberon] | colspan="2" align="center" | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ulm.html HTML page] and manual pages in the downloads |- <!-- id="V4" --> | X86 PC with various operating systems<ref name="Linz"/> | [http://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html Linz-Oberon], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | align="center" | [http://olymp.idle.at/tanis/oberon.linux.html olymp.idle.at]<ref name="olymp"/> and [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/files/ SourceForge] | align="center" | [http://olymp.idle.at/~tanis/INSTALL INSTALL at olymp.idle.at]<br>[https://sourceforge.net/p/oberon/wiki/Home/ Wiki at Sourceforge]. [https://github.com/btreut/Oberon4Linux-Bootstrap Update for the x86-64 PC]. |- | X86 PC with Windows or with *nix and Wine | [[w:BlackBox Component Builder|BlackBox Component Builder]], an [[w:Integrated_development_environment|IDE]] for [[w:Component_Pascal|Component Pascal]] <!-- | [[/BB/]] --> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/BlackBoxCenter BB Component Builder download]. |- | [[w:Common Language Infrastructure|.NET and CLI]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal, GPCP]] application for .NET and CLI<ref name="GPCP"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] |- | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal]] application for JVM<ref name="GPCP"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]]-[[w:IA-32|386]], [[w:Raspberry_Pi_OS|Rasbian]], [[w:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] | Ofront Oberon to C translator | colspan="2" align="center" | Josef Templ, [https://github.com/jtempl/ofront/ github] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/ Eigen Compiler Suite] | align="center" | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/releases/ Releases] | align="center" | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/manual User Manual] |- | Subsystem for Blackbox | Ofront+ Oberon to C translator | align="center" | various Oberon dialects | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/Oleg-N-Cher/OfrontPlus/ github] |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="ETHO">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |1=Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]<ref name="Transmeta"/> |2=[[Oberon/ETH Oberon|ETH Oberon]], formerly System 3, PC-Native Oberon. [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Native_Oberon|Wikipedia]]&#160; |3=[https://sourceforge.net/projects/nativeoberon/files/nativeoberon/ SourceForge]. [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/install|ETHZ, real diskettes]]. [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/QEMUinstall|Hypervisor with diskette images]]. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2O1yFrnos Oberon Tutorials at YouTube]<ref name="YouTube"/> |4=90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:X86|X86 PC]] with [[w:MS-DOS|MS-DOS]] or [[w:FreeDOS|compatible&#160;OS]] | DOS Oberon System3, Version 2.0, [[Oberon/Bibliography#Dis93|Dis93]]<ref name="DOS"/> | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/dosoberon/files/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Version%202.0/ SourceForge] and [https://github.com/Classic-Tools/DOSOberon/tree/master/DOSOberon-S3R2.0 Github] | 50px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with MS Windows | ETH Oberon for Windows<ref name="Windows"/> | [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT Github]<ref name="Win95NT"/> including [https://github.com/pcayuela/oldftpETHZOberon/tree/master/System3/Win95NT/PlugIn readme.txt]. | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | HP Alpha [aka DEC AXP] with OpenVMS | [http://www.modulaware.com/mwovms.htm 64 bit (Linz-)Oberon System], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | [http://www.modulaware.com/zel/aos/ modulaware.com, OpenVMS Alpha] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86, ARM, ARMv7,<br>[[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] with Linux | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/oberon-linux-revival-olr Oberon Linux Revival, OLR]<ref name="OLR"/> | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Linux, UltraSPARC with Solaris or Sun3 with SunOS | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ Ulm Oberon] | [http://www.mathematik.uni-ulm.de/oberon/ulm.html HTML page] and manual pages in the downloads | 45px}} <div id="V4">{{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with various operating systems<ref name="Linz"/> | [http://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html Linz-Oberon], [[Oberon/Linz Oberon, V4|V4]] | [http://olymp.idle.at/tanis/oberon.linux.html olymp.idle.at]<ref name="olymp"/>. [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/files/ SourceForge]. [http://olymp.idle.at/~tanis/INSTALL INSTALL at olymp.idle.at]. [https://sourceforge.net/p/oberon/wiki/Home/ Wiki at Sourceforge]. [https://github.com/btreut/Oberon4Linux-Bootstrap Update for the x86-64 PC]. | 85px}}</div> {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Windows or with *nix and Wine | [[w:BlackBox Component Builder|BlackBox Component Builder]], an [[w:Integrated_development_environment|IDE]] for [[w:Component_Pascal|Component Pascal]]. | [https://github.com/BlackBoxCenter BB Component Builder download]. | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Common Language Infrastructure|.NET and CLI]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal, GPCP]] application for .NET and CLI<ref name="GPCP"/> | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github]<br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] | 65px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [[w:Component_Pascal|Gardens Point Component Pascal]] application for JVM<ref name="GPCP"/> | [https://github.com/k-john-gough/gpcp Current project at github] <br> [https://web.archive.org/web/20120911105411/http://plas.fit.qut.edu.au/gpcp/ Original site from Archive.org] | 45px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]]-[[w:IA-32|386]], [[w:Raspberry_Pi_OS|Rasbian]], [[w:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] | Ofront Oberon to C translator | Josef Templ, [https://github.com/jtempl/ofront/ github] | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/ Eigen Compiler Suite] | [https://ecs.openbrace.org/releases/ Releases] and [https://ecs.openbrace.org/manual User Manual]. | 25px}} {{b:User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Subsystem for Blackbox | Ofront+ Oberon to C translator | [https://github.com/Oleg-N-Cher/OfrontPlus/ OfrontPlus at github] for various Oberon dialects. | 45px}} ==Source Texts in [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/felixf/oberon/-/tree/main/docu Active Oberon]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- <!-- id="A2" --> | Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]. | [[Oberon/A2|A2 = AOS = Bluebottle]],<br />[[w:Bluebottle_OS|Bluebottle in Wikipedia]]. | align="center" | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/a2oberon/files/ SourceForge]. | align="center" | [[Oberon/A2#The_A2_Repository|Contemporary instructions]].<ref name="portability"/> |- | X86 PC with Solaris,<br>Linux or MacOSX (Darwin). | [[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|UnixAos = UnixA2]]. | align="center" | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/ Uni-Bremen, G. Feldmann]. | align="center" | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/Readme.txt Readme.txt]. |- | X86 PC with A2 or UnixA2 or WinA2. | [[Oberon/A2#Oberon_Subsystem|Oberon subsystem of A2]]. | colspan="2" align="center" | Included in A2, UnixA2 and WinA2. |- |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="A2">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Bare [[w:X86|X86 PC]]. | [[Oberon/A2|A2 = AOS = Bluebottle]].<br>[[w:Bluebottle_OS|Bluebottle in Wikipedia]]. | [https://sourceforge.net/projects/a2oberon/files/ SourceForge].<br>[[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|Contemporary instructions]].<ref name="portability"/> | 50px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with Solaris,<br>Linux or MacOSX (Darwin). | [[Oberon/A2#Installing_and_Running_UnixAOS|UnixAos = UnixA2]]. | [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos Uni-Bremen, G. Feldmann]. [http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~fld/UnixAos/Readme.txt Readme.txt]. | 50px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | X86 PC with A2 or UnixA2 or WinA2. | [[Oberon/A2#Oberon_Subsystem|Oberon subsystem of A2]]. | Included in A2, UnixA2 and WinA2. | 50px}} ==Source Texts in [https://people.inf.ethz.ch/wirth/Oberon/index.html Oberon-07]== {| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" | colspan="4" align="center" | Presentation as a table&#160; |- ! style="width: 15em" | Host Environment<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> ! style="width: 15em" | Software ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>archive ! style="width: 15em" | Installation<br>Instructions |- | <!-- id="V5" --> | [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] | [[Oberon/V5|V5]],<br>[[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Project_Oberon_2013|Oberon V5]] in Wikipedia | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/wirth/ N.&#160;Wirth]<br>[http://www.projectoberon.net/ P.&#160;Reed] |- | <!-- id="RISCemu" --> | [[Oberon/Android]], [[w:Linux|Linux]],<br> [[w:MacOS|Mac OS X]], [[w:Unix|Unix]] or<br> [[w:Windows_NT|MS Windows]] on a wide variety of machines<ref name="RISCemuRequirements"/> | RISC Emulator written in C. | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [https://github.com/pdewacht/oberon-risc-emu P. De Wachter] |- | Unix command line | Norebo<ref name="norebo"/> <!-- | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/pdewacht/project-norebo P. De Wachter] --> |- | <!-- id="ExtendedOberon" --> | Oberon [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] processor or emulation of it<ref name="ExtOberonFootnote"/> | [[Oberon/Extended_Oberon|Extended Oberon]] | colspan="2" align="center" | A. Pirklbauer<br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/README.md README] [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/Documentation/ Documentation]<br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended Oberon{{nbhyph}}extended]<ref name="ExtOberonName"/><br>[https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-retro-compiler Oberon-retro-compiler] |- | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:JavaScript|JavaScript]]. | rowspan="2" colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. |- | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:Java_(programming language)|Java]]. |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]] or [[w:MacOS|Mac OS]] | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Integrated Oberon] with an emulator written in the [[w:Go_(programming_language)|Go programming language]]. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Charles Perkins] |- | <!-- id="POL" --> | ARMv7, [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] running Linux. [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] running [[w:FreeRTOS|FreeRTOS]] on Sipeed M1s, Linux 32bit and Linux 64bit. | Project Oberon Linux, POL;<br>Using native compiler and Linux Kernel functions. | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] |- | rowspan="2" | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | Project Oberon using oberonc compiler from L. Boasso <!-- | colspan="2" |P. Matthias --> |- | [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc Oberonc] compiler for Oberon-07.<ref name="TypeRules"/> | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ L. Boasso] |- | Any system capable of running QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/qemu-risc6 qemu-risc6] fork of QEMU | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/io-core/ Charles Perkins]. |- | Any system capable of running [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox BlackBox Component Builder] | Oberon-07 compiler written in Oberon-2. | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox Alexander V. Shiryaev] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] | align="center" colspan="2" rowspan="2" | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu Rikke Solbjørg] |- | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] with [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] or a bare [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] machine. | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv oberon-riscv] <!-- | colspan="2" align="center" | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv Rikke Solbjørg] --> |} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes |'''Host Environment'''<ref name="HostEnvironment"/> |'''Software''' |'''Installation''' |25px}} <div id="V5">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Field-programmable_gate_array|FPGA]] [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] | [[Oberon/V5|V5]] and [[w:Oberon_(operating_system)#Project_Oberon_2013|Oberon V5]] in Wikipedia. | [https://www.inf.ethz.ch/personal/wirth/ N.&#160;Wirth], [http://www.projectoberon.net/ P.&#160;Reed]. | 25px}}</div> <div id="RISCemu">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[Oberon/Android]], [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:Windows_NT|MS Windows]], [[w:MacOS|Mac OS X]] or [[w:Unix|Unix]] on a wide variety of machines<ref name="RISCemuRequirements"/> | RISC Emulator written in C. | [https://github.com/pdewacht/oberon-risc-emu P. De Wachter] | 70px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Unix command line | Norebo<ref name="norebo"/> | [https://github.com/pdewacht/project-norebo P. De Wachter] | 25px}} <div id="ExtendedOberon">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Oberon [[w:Reduced_instruction_set_computer|RISC]] processor or emulation of it<ref name="ExtOberonFootnote"/> | [[Oberon/Extended_Oberon|Extended Oberon]] | A. Pirklbauer, [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/README.md README], [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended/blob/master/Documentation/ Documentation], [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-extended Oberon{{nbhyph}}extended]<ref name="ExtOberonName"/> and [https://github.com/andreaspirklbauer/Oberon-retro-compiler Oberon-retro-compiler]. | 90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:JavaScript|JavaScript]]. | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Web_browser|Web browser]] | Emulator written in [[w:Java_(programming language)|Java]]. | [https://github.com/schierlm/OberonEmulator/ Michael Schierl]. | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]] or [[w:MacOS|Mac OS]] | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Integrated Oberon] with an emulator written in the [[w:Go_(programming_language)|Go programming language]]. | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ Charles Perkins] | 67px}} <div id="POL">{{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | ARMv7, [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] or [[w:MIPS_architecture|MIPS]] running Linux. [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] running [[w:FreeRTOS|FreeRTOS]] on [https://dl.sipeed.com/fileList/MAIX/HDK/Sipeed-M1&M1W/Specifications/Sipeed%20M1%20Datasheet%20EN%20V1.12.pdf Sipeed M1s] and Linux 32bit or Linux 64bit.<ref name="POV"/> | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/project-oberon-v Project Oberon Linux, POL];<br>Using native compiler and Linux Kernel functions. | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 90px}}</div> {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | Project Oberon using oberonc compiler from L. Boasso | [http://oberon.wikidot.com/ P. Matthias] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Java Virtual Machine|JVM]] | [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc Oberonc] compiler for Oberon-07.<ref name="TypeRules"/> | [https://github.com/io-core/io/ L. Boasso] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Any system capable of running QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/qemu-risc6 qemu-risc6] fork of QEMU | [https://github.com/io-core/ Charles Perkins]. | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | Any system capable of running [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox BlackBox Component Builder] | Oberon-07 compiler written in Oberon-2. | [https://github.com/aixp/ProjectOberon-BlackBox Alexander V. Shiryaev] | 45px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu Rikke Solbjørg] | 25px}} {{User:PeterEasthope/ThreeBoxes | [[w:Linux|Linux]], [[w:OS X|OS X]] or [[w:MS Windows|MS Windows]] with [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv-emu oberon-riscv-emu] or a bare [[w:RISC-V|RISC-V]] machine. | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv oberon-riscv] | [https://github.com/solbjorg/oberon-riscv Rikke Solbjørg] | 67px}} ==Footnotes== {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="Oberon">The Oberon language evolved through several variations including [https://people.inf.ethz.ch/wirth/Oberon/Oberon.Report.pdf Oberon-90] in which Cross-platform Oberon is written. The differences between the latest 1990 version of Oberon and the 1991 superset, Oberon-2, are explained in bibliography references [[Oberon/authors#M|Moe91]] and [[Oberon/authors#M|MoW91a]].</ref> <ref name="HostEnvironment">In some cases the host environment is a bare machine. Otherwise it is a machine running another system.</ref> <ref name="VCFE2024">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEdHiE-HoGE&t=2145s Presentation at VCFE 23.0], September 2024. Jump to 35:46.</ref> <ref name="Ceres">Hypothetically a Ceres can also be built with [http://cpu-ns32k.net/Gilbert.html wire wrap].</ref> <ref name="PrecompiledCrossPlatformOberon">Links to precompiled images for MS Windows, Linux and MacOS are at the bottom of the Github page.</ref> <ref name="PAL">PAL = Platform Abstraction Layer written by Rochus Keller and included with Cross-platform Oberon. Precompiled systems are currently available for Linux x86 & x64, Mac M1 & x64 and Windows x86 & x64. Porting to another system is primarily porting the PAL library.</ref> <ref name="ARM">ARMv8 processors are backward compatible to v7.</ref> <ref name="Transmeta">Including the [[w:Transmeta_Crusoe|Transmeta Crusoe 5400]] and the [[w:StrongARM|StrongARM SA 110 and SA 1110]].</ref> <ref name="YouTube">A PC can boot from an Oberon0 diskette in an internal drive. In that case installation of ETH Oberon can proceed directly without involvement of DOS. Part 2 in the series includes a helpful explanation of the user interface.</ref> <ref name="DOS">Sources for [https://github.com/Project-Oberon/Source-Code/tree/main/DOS%20Oberon%20System%203%20Release%202.0 Release 2.0] are available. ASCII sources can be read with any contemporary editor. The Text sources should be read in an Oberon system; otherwise display by Linux gedit may be tolerable.</ref> <ref name="Windows">Also referred to as "ETH Oberon Plugin for Windows" and "Spirit of Oberon System3 for Windows".</ref> <ref name="Win95NT">A server at ftp&#58;//ftp.ssw.uni-linz.ac.at/ remains accessible to an FTP client and installation archives can be retrieved. The Firefox browser is unable to navigate into the subdirectories.</ref> <ref name="OLR">Sources following ETH Oberon closely. Note "Current state ... network not working."</ref> <ref name="Linz">V4 can also execute on obsolete systems [[w:Motorola_68000_series|680x0 MacIntosh]] and [[w:PowerMac|PowerMac]] with [[w:MacOS|MacOS]] to version 9 inclusive, [[w:Amiga|Amiga]], [[w:Atari_ST|Atari ST]], [[w:DECstation|DECstation]], [[w:HPUX|HP-UX]], [[w:IBM_RISC_Dystem/6000|IBM RS/6000]], [[w:SGI_IRIS|SGI IRIS]] and [[w:Sparc|SPARC]] with [[w:Solaris_(operating_system)|Solaris]]. Refer to [https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/ https://sourceforge.net/projects/oberon/] and [https://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html https://ssw.jku.at/Research/Projects/Oberon.html]. A native version has not been produced.</ref> <ref name="olymp">olymp.idle.at has verion 1.7.02. The last version at JKU Linz is 1.5.</ref> <ref name="GPCP">GPCP provides a compiler for Component Pascal; not a full Oberon subsystem.</ref> <ref name="portability">During the summer of 2019 work was underway at the ETHZ to improve portability and other aspects. Until the work is completed, the user may encounter difficulties with the native variant of A2. The Oberon subsystem remains available in UnixA2 and WinA2. A notice was in the [http://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/ mailing list at 2019-07-03]. Patience is advised.</ref> <ref name="RISCemuRequirements">The SDL2 library and a C99 capable C compiler are required. GCC or Clang suffice for compiling the emulator.</ref> <ref name="norebo">A software allowing execution of an Oberon command without the Oberon system and interface. The Oberon compiler, for example, can be executed at the Unix command line.</ref> <ref name="ExtOberonFootnote">Extended Oberon does not modify the RISC processor; it modifies only the Oberon system which runs on it.</ref> <ref name="ExtOberonName">Nomenclature explained in the [https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/2023/016552.html Oberon mailing list at 2023-01-18].</ref> <ref name="POV"><!-- <[https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/2026/??.html Reply from Peter Mathias to the Oberon list at 2026.07.02.]</ref> --> <ref name="TypeRules">The [https://github.com/lboasso/oberonc/blob/master/doc/TypeRules.md TypeRules document] is noteworthy. Specific aspects of [[w:Data_type|types]] are discussed in the [http://lists.inf.ethz.ch/pipermail/oberon/ mailing list] beginning at 2019-12-07.</ref> }} <br> {{center|[[Oberon/Naming|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; Naming</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Licenses|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Licenses &#x2192;</span>]]}} {{BookCat}} iqh7zd1zmqbxifn0on83joa2b1dlitf Oberon/Support 0 446881 4653482 4633472 2026-07-10T13:33:26Z PeterEasthope 660399 Simplified presentation of link. 4653482 wikitext text/x-wiki {{center|[[Oberon/FAQ|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; FAQ</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Introduction|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Introduction &#x2192;</span>]]}} <br> * [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/felixf/oberon ETHZ GitLab Oberon A2] ** [[w:GitLab|Wikipedia GitLab]] ** [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/help ETHZ Gitlab Docs] ** [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/help/user/ssh.md Use SSH keys to communicate with GitLab at ETHZ] * The foregoing [https://web.archive.org/web/20180829070621/http://www.ocp.inf.ethz.ch/wiki/OCP/Home http://www.ocp.inf.ethz.ch/wiki/OCP/Home] was decommissioned. <!-- [http://cas.inf.ethz.ch/projects/a2/ http://cas.inf.ethz.ch/projects/a2/]: bug tracker, language documentation and etc. primarily for A2. --> * [[Oberon/hall|ETH Hall of Fame and additional contributors]]. * [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/sitemap|ETH Oberon Site Map]]. Formerly hosted at ETHZ and primarily addressing ETH Oberon and preceding systems. * [https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/oberon The Oberon mailing list at https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/oberon]. {{center|[[Oberon/FAQ|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; FAQ</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Introduction|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Introduction &#x2192;</span>]]}} {{BookCat}} 5kyt1hoaj0tf1h1fs3rbt99svxcubgf 4653485 4653482 2026-07-10T13:55:39Z PeterEasthope 660399 Better phrase structure. 4653485 wikitext text/x-wiki {{center|[[Oberon/FAQ|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; FAQ</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Introduction|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Introduction &#x2192;</span>]]}} <br> * [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/felixf/oberon GitLab Oberon A2 at ETHZ] ** [[w:GitLab|GitLab in Wikipedia]] ** [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/help Gitlab Docs at ETHZ] ** [https://gitlab.inf.ethz.ch/help/user/ssh.md Use SSH keys to communicate with GitLab at ETHZ] * The foregoing [https://web.archive.org/web/20180829070621/http://www.ocp.inf.ethz.ch/wiki/OCP/Home http://www.ocp.inf.ethz.ch/wiki/OCP/Home] was decommissioned. <!-- [http://cas.inf.ethz.ch/projects/a2/ http://cas.inf.ethz.ch/projects/a2/]: bug tracker, language documentation and etc. primarily for A2. --> * [[Oberon/hall|ETH Hall of Fame and additional contributors]]. * [[Oberon/ETH_Oberon/sitemap|ETH Oberon Site Map]]. Formerly hosted at ETHZ and primarily addressing ETH Oberon and preceding systems. * [https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/oberon The Oberon mailing list at https://lists.inf.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/oberon]. {{center|[[Oberon/FAQ|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2190; FAQ</span>]] [[Oberon|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">&#x2191; Oberon front page</span>]] [[Oberon/Introduction|<span class="mw-ui-button" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; display: inline-block; margin: auto; width: 13em; text-align: center; Background-color:#F0FFFF;">Introduction &#x2192;</span>]]}} {{BookCat}} p88o6u0d241c07h91vl0zayzenh2b9v AI Art Generation Handbook/Communities 0 450365 4653711 4418221 2026-07-10T23:10:43Z Boomfik 3613459 /* Youtube */ 4653711 wikitext text/x-wiki There are many communities that are active in AI art generations, here are some of them. === Facebook === [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014025999262875 Stable Diffusion] - The original Stable Diffusion group (Based on creation date) in Facebook that share the artwork done in Stable Diffusion [https://www.facebook.com/groups/stablediffusionuniverse/ Stable Diffusion Universe]- The splinter group of Stable Diffusion Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/755663382307443 AI Art: Prompt Craft (MidJourney, Stable Diffusion, Dall E, NightCafe)] - A page for sharing AI generated images and the prompts used to create them. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/902874374438559 Dalle2 Artwork • No Censorship] - A FB group that share DALL-E works that are not censored (NSFW) [https://www.facebook.com/groups/theairevolution AI Revolution - MidJourney AI, DALL-E 2, Stable Diffusion] - A place to share workflow for image generation and processing === [[Youtube]] === <syntaxhighlight lang="abap" line="1"> "give me a scene by scene breakdown for a one minute kids nursery rhyme video." Here's an example scene-by-scene breakdown for a 1-minute nursery rhyme video: Time Scene 0:00–0:05 Colorful sunrise over a cheerful farm. Birds chirp and the title appears. 0:05–0:15 A happy child waves while friendly animals (cow, duck, sheep) gather. 0:15–0:25 The rhyme begins. The animals dance and clap to the beat. 0:25–0:35 Close-ups of each animal doing fun actions that match the lyrics (jumping, spinning, waving). 0:35–0:45 The child joins in, singing and dancing with the animals. Bright balloons and butterflies appear. 0:45–0:55 Everyone sings the final chorus together with colorful confetti and smiling faces. 0:55–1:00 The characters wave goodbye. A "See You Next Time!" message appears with cheerful music. This structure keeps young children engaged with bright visuals, simple actions, and frequent scene changes. </syntaxhighlight>Here are the Youtube of some AI art which at some point share their technical workflow on AI art https://www.youtube.com/c/1littlecoder - 1littlecoder https://www.youtube.com/c/Aitrepreneur - Aitrepreneur https://www.youtube.com/@NerdyRodent - NerdyRodent https://www.youtube.com/@OlivioSarikas - Olivio Sarikas https://www.youtube.com/@marat_ai - marat_ai https://www.youtube.com/c/MattVideoProductions202 - MattVidPro AI https://www.youtube.com/@MonzonMedia - Monzon Media https://www.youtube.com/@sebastiankamph - Sebastian Kamph https://www.youtube.com/@tingtingin - TingTingin https://www.youtube.com/@EndangeredAI/videos - EndangeredAI === Reddit === [https://www.reddit.com/r/AIart r/AIart] [https://www.reddit.com/r/StableDiffusion r/StableDiffusion] [https://www.reddit.com/r/DefendingAIart r/DefendingAIart] [https://www.reddit.com/r/AIGeneratedArt/ r/AIGeneratedArt] [https://www.reddit.com/r/bigsleep/ r/bigsleep] [https://www.reddit.com/r/dalle/ r/dalle] [https://www.reddit.com/r/dalle2/ r/dalle2] [https://www.reddit.com/r/dndai/ r/DNDAI] - Reddit's community where showcase of AI Art generation to showcase the Dungeon and Dragon (DnD) character, background, game assets using AI [https://www.reddit.com/r/deepdream/ r/DeepDream] [https://www.reddit.com/r/MediaSynthesis/ r/MediaSynthesis] [https://www.reddit.com/r/sdforall/ r/sdforall] An alternate sub-reddit when Stable Diffusion === Miscellaneous === Dataset Search Engine [https://laion-aesthetic.datasette.io/laion-aesthetic-6pls LAION Aesthetic] - A subset 12M (0.21% of aesthetical pleasing images) [https://rom1504.github.io/clip-retrieval/?back=https%3A%2F%2Fknn.laion.ai&index=laion5B-H-14&useMclip=false ROM 1504] - A full search engine for all of the trained images in Stable Diffusion [https://haveibeentrained.com/ HaveIBeenTrained] - Reverse image search from 5B images to see if the images has been used in training and the site creator claimed it can be opted out * [https://decentralizedcreator.com/list-of-artists-supported-by-dall-e-2 List of Artists Supported by DALL.E 2] * [https://www.thetoolbus.ai/free/design/dall-e-prompt-generator Generate Unique Dall-E Prompts with Ease] * [https://dallery.gallery/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/The-DALL%C2%B7E-2-prompt-book-v1.02.pdf Dall-E 2 Prompt Book] {{BookCat}} kkdgu50ftl5cpfjomebmij7bds1sqj2 Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives/Archive 4 4 455830 4653970 4645136 2026-07-11T08:10:37Z ArchiverBot 1227662 Bot: Archiving 1 thread from [[Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives]] 4653970 wikitext text/x-wiki {{talk archive}} == 205.118.123.63 == ;Username : {{user|205.118.123.63}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:205.118.123.63}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 20:47, 21 February 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 205.118.123.63 == ;Username : {{user|205.118.123.63}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:205.118.123.63}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 20:49, 21 February 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Abid Sidiq Ahanger == ;Username : {{user|Abid Sidiq Ahanger}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Abid Sidiq Ahanger}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 16:00, 25 February 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Aadit6 == ;Username : {{user|Aadit6}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Aadit6}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=A-level_Computing/AQA/Paper_1/Skeleton_program/AS2023]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=A-level_Computing/AQA/Paper_1/Skeleton_program/AS2023}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I am trying to insert the full skeleton code into the wikibooks page. This is the original code supplied by AQA available for computer science students but it will not allow me to insert it. ;Date and time : 09:18, 3 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 94.204.59.111 == ;Username : {{user|94.204.59.111}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:94.204.59.111}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Chess Opening Theory/1.e4/b5]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Chess Opening Theory/1.e4/b5}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I just wanted to correct grammar. The part that I wanted to correct said the the rook, while my edit changed it to the rook. ;Date and time : 09:41, 3 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{done}} – see [[Special:Diff/4240955]]. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 01:22, 4 March 2023 (UTC) == David Allencourt == ;Username : {{user|David Allencourt}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:David Allencourt}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[The History of the Armenians (Movses Khorenatsi)]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:The History of the Armenians (Movses Khorenatsi)}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Hello! I am attempting to add my translation of Movses Khorenatsi's work The History of the Armeniansp, which has long been used as a textbook of Armenian history. However it is getting caught in the filter. ;Date and time : 03:32, 6 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{done}}. {{re|David Allencourt}}, you are likely to face difficulty editing your text for a while, as you're being hit by a filter we have no control over. Feel free to continue submitting false positive requests for a while. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 05:58, 6 March 2023 (UTC) == 99.209.41.18 == ;Username : {{user|99.209.41.18}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:99.209.41.18}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 17:39, 7 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 99.209.41.18 == ;Username : {{user|99.209.41.18}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:99.209.41.18}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 17:43, 7 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == UhLukas 90 == ;Username : {{user|UhLukas 90}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:UhLukas 90}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Publishing error ;Date and time : 22:02, 8 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :You were correctly blocked. Your attempt to paste a set of Discord copyright material onto your user page was rightly detected as unconstructive. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 10:08, 9 March 2023 (UTC) == Andrewdav == ;Username : {{user|Andrewdav}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Andrewdav}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[page about Stephen William Grimsley]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:page about Stephen William Grimsley}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Adding factual data, including year of death ;Date and time : 10:11, 9 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Lachlan Peterson == ;Username : {{user|Lachlan Peterson}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Lachlan Peterson}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Transportation Deployment Casebook/2023/Vancouver SkyTrain]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Transportation Deployment Casebook/2023/Vancouver SkyTrain}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to create a page for an assignment, it started by not letting me upload images then it assused me of creating "Cannibis/CBD Spam" when I was writing about the Vancouver Skytrain. ;Date and time : 07:36, 11 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments * Wikibooks has several automated filters meant to prevent spam and vandals; sometimes these inadvertently catch non-spammers, especially very new users. I recommend making smaller edits at a time until you are eventually autoconfirmed. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:57, 13 March 2023 (UTC) == Yunchenli == ;Username : {{user|Yunchenli}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Yunchenli}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 01:49, 13 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments * Wikibooks has several automated filters meant to prevent spam and vandals; sometimes these inadvertently catch non-spammers, especially very new users. I recommend making smaller edits at a time until you are eventually autoconfirmed. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:56, 13 March 2023 (UTC) * I took a look at all of [[User:Yunchenli|your]] edits, but most of them are more or less irrelevant to the page you were trying to create. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 06:44, 22 March 2023 (UTC) == Robertbenjmin00 == ;Username : {{user|Robertbenjmin00}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Robertbenjmin00}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 05:53, 27 March 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{not done}} – you tried to fill your talk page with irrelevant self-promotional spam, which was rightly detected by the edit filter. Further attempts to spam your talk page may result in a loss of editing privileges. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 06:31, 27 March 2023 (UTC) == SomethingForDeletion == ;Username : {{user|SomethingForDeletion}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:SomethingForDeletion}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[360_Assembly/360_Family]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:360_Assembly/360_Family}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Trying to add a link to wiki.qemu.org/Documentation/Platforms/S390X – this is information about how to use the QEMU open source package to emulate z/Architecture IBM mainframes, and hence is relevant to the topic of the book and its readers. The edit filter won't even let me put the URL on this page! ;Date and time : 20:05, 21 February 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> BTW, I realise someone is probably going to say "you can't because you are a new user please wait a few days". Can someone add the link for me? Also, wouldn't this edit filter be better if it took into account one's global contributions? A new user which has already made significant contributions on Wikipedia/etc is probably not a spammer. [[User:SomethingForDeletion|SomethingForDeletion]] ([[User talk:SomethingForDeletion|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SomethingForDeletion|contribs]]) 23:28, 21 February 2023 (UTC) :@[[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] I'm not savvy enough to know this, but is there any way to take into account someone's global edits in the edit filter? My guess is no, but you would know better. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:35, 15 April 2023 (UTC) ::{{re|Kittycataclysm}} Unless the filter itself is global, no. It is however possible to take into account global user groups, but that won't apply for the vast majority of users (it's useful for groups such as [[meta:GR|global rollback]] who can then use their rights here without being hit by the filter). [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 17:03, 15 April 2023 (UTC) == 110.224.130.225 == ;Username : {{user|110.224.130.225}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:110.224.130.225}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Was adding one important guide about intellectual property ;Date and time : 11:03, 14 April 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{not done}}. You tried to add a link to a blog. That is not a reliable or useful source. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 21:09, 16 April 2023 (UTC) == 58.169.215.204 == ;Username : {{user|58.169.215.204}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:58.169.215.204}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 09:14, 21 April 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> Adding external links as required by my assignment and computer said no :For reference to other admins, this IP tried to paste the following under a "See also" section on [[Transportation Planning Casebook/Fast(er) Rail in NSW]]. I'll leave it to others as to whether these links are appropriate or not, as I'm a sysop primarily for anti-vandalism purposes. * Hawker Britton - Australia’s High-Speed Rail Network (History of High Speed Rail in Australia) (www.hawkerbritton.com/blog/2022/10/17/australias-high-speed-rail-network/) * A Profile of High Speed Railways - Internal Australian Government Brief (www.bitre.gov.au/sites/default/files/other_001_a_profile_of_high-speed_railways.pdf) * The Story of (non-existent) High-Speed Rail in Australia - Railways Explained (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjvnpeqaj5s&ab_channel=RailwaysExplained) :--[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 10:21, 21 April 2023 (UTC) :Thanks @[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]]! For the IP, what is the purpose of including these external links as is? If it is for the purpose of references/citations, I'd recommend using the dedicated reference tool for that. I'm curious what the actual requirement in the assignment is. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 12:02, 21 April 2023 (UTC) ::Me too – and if these do have to be linked, is the YouTube link really necessary? (as someone who follows NSW HSR off-wiki, I also question if it's the one of the best off-wiki links) --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 12:05, 21 April 2023 (UTC) == Беспечная крыса == ;Username : {{user|Беспечная крыса}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Беспечная крыса}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Ada_Style_Guide/Programming_Practices]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Ada_Style_Guide/Programming_Practices}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : A big part of section 5 is missing. I'm appending the lost part. The part contains external links to Ada Reference Manual as adahome site. ;Date and time : 11:05, 21 April 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 78.3.89.31 == ;Username : {{user|78.3.89.31}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:78.3.89.31}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[False Friends of the Slavist/Croatian-Bosnian]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:False Friends of the Slavist/Croatian-Bosnian}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I'm trying to remove "sedmica" as Croatian translation of week, this word is never used for "week" in Croatian, only "tjedan". This is a false friend between Croatian and Serbian (and maybe Bosnian, no idea if Bosnian uses sedmica for week. ;Date and time : 21:12, 13 May 2023 (UTC) ;Comments See my response below —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 13:27, 14 May 2023 (UTC) == 78.3.89.31 == ;Username : {{user|78.3.89.31}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:78.3.89.31}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[False Friends of the Slavist/Polish-Croatian]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:False Friends of the Slavist/Polish-Croatian}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Trying to fix the "droga" false friend, current translation for Croatian is wrong. This should be placed instead: {{{{BOOKTEMPLATE}}/FalseFriends|ff77 |Pol. '''''droga''''' |1. ''cesta'' ‘road’<br>2. ''put'' ‘way (of doing things)’ |Cr. '''''droga''''' |Pol. ''używka'' ‘illegal drug, narcotic’ |doba}} ;Date and time : 21:30, 13 May 2023 (UTC) ;Comments See my response below —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 13:27, 14 May 2023 (UTC) == 78.3.89.31 == ;Username : {{user|78.3.89.31}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:78.3.89.31}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikibooks:Edit filter/False positives}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Can't report error while trying to add the meaning of "arch" for luk/łuk in Polish-Croatian false friends ;Date and time : 21:41, 13 May 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Well I'm done trying. If you fix this filter bump this thread. :Hello! My best guess about what happened is that you unwittingly tripped a global anti-vandalism filter since one of your edits contained profanity, and then repeated editing attempts tripped wikibooks-specific repeated vandalism filters. I'm not an expert on the edit filters, so someone with more experience may correct me. If you'd like to do more significant editing without the risk of tripping filters designed for IP vandals, you may wish to create an account. Cheers! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 13:26, 14 May 2023 (UTC) == The Yennefer == ;Username : {{user|The Yennefer}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:The Yennefer}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikibooks:Reading room/General]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikibooks:Reading room/General}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Trying to add link needed for deciding if the linked book can be added to wikibooks. ;Date and time : 16:34, 14 May 2023 (UTC) ;Comments :Hello! It looks like the filter caught you since there are restrictions on new users posting links in order to prevent vandalism. I will note that when I investigated the link you were trying to post, it was broken and didn't link to anything. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 17:27, 14 May 2023 (UTC) == Richard Vinke == ;Username : {{user|Richard Vinke}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Richard Vinke}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[<link to translate manual>]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:<link to translate manual>}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I try to add the following line, with external link to the end of the section "translate". To align an element to another element, the function align() can be used. See <external link>. ;Date and time : 13:46, 7 June 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Hello! It looks like you were trying to add a raw link to that page. To prevent link spamming, very new users are not permitted to do so; additionally, in that context, you may wish to use a citation instead. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 17:41, 7 June 2023 (UTC) == Gieyan81 == ;Username : {{user|Gieyan81}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Gieyan81}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 21:53, 15 June 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :this happens as you are a new editor trying to insert URLs (hyperlinks). Save the edit with no URLs initially. You can come back and add them, one or two at a time, and after a few days the system will recognise that you are not trying to spam. By the way, one of the links you tried to insert was to Wikipedia. There is a way of doing this without a URL: enter '''<nowiki>[[w:the wikipedia page name|a description]]</nowiki>''' [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 07:53, 16 June 2023 (UTC). == EP426 == ;Username : {{user|EP426}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:EP426}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Themes_in_Literature%2FIsolation_and_Community%2FThe_Deluded_Self&veswitched=1&oldid=0&veaction=edit]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Themes_in_Literature%2FIsolation_and_Community%2FThe_Deluded_Self&veswitched=1&oldid=0&veaction=edit}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Copy pasting sandbox wikibook into a blank and new wikibook provided by the professor, yet the system won't let me as it considers it a large edit. IP Large Edits ;Date and time : 09:18, 17 June 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Hello! My guess is that this is happening because you're a new user trying to make a large edit. I recommend breaking it up into multiple smaller edits to resolve the issue. Cheers! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:45, 17 June 2023 (UTC) == 2A00:7660:271C:0:98A9:804F:A460:BD66 == ;Username : {{user|2A00:7660:271C:0:98A9:804F:A460:BD66}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:2A00:7660:271C:0:98A9:804F:A460:BD66}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 11:51, 29 June 2023 (UTC) ;Comments I am filling in my chapter for a wiki book and I am unable to publish changes due to an editing filter :Hello—contributors who are not logged in are restricted in the size of their edits. I recommend making multiple smaller edits. Cheers! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:04, 29 June 2023 (UTC) == 2A01:7C8:AAB2:30E:5054:FF:FE9A:5545 == ;Username : {{user|%7B%7Bsubst%3AREVISIONUSER%7D%7D%7Ctimestamp%3D%7B%7Bsubst%3ACURRENTTIMESTAMP%7D%7D}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:%7B%7Bsubst%3AREVISIONUSER%7D%7D%7Ctimestamp%3D%7B%7Bsubst%3ACURRENTTIMESTAMP%7D%7D}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 07:29, 4 August 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> I thinking ever link need alternative some of countries pastebin.com didn't work.}} == Amirx324 == ;Username : {{user|Amirx324}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Amirx324}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 14:57, 14 August 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :Thanks for drawing our attention to your spamming; you are now blocked. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 15:29, 14 August 2023 (UTC) == Teuxe == ;Username : {{user|Teuxe}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Teuxe}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[X86_Disassembly/Analysis_Tools]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:X86_Disassembly/Analysis_Tools}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I wanted to add a reference to ImHex which is a must-know free and open-source hex editor with lots of tools. ;Date and time : 13:54, 3 August 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{ping|Teuxe}} try writing the reference without the link (just remove the "https://" bit), then you or another user can add it back in sometime later. You will need to be autoconfirmed to add links to most pages. {{User:L10nM4st3r/sig.css}} 18:23, 3 August 2023 (UTC) :Done (but too quick, I wasn't logged in...). Thanks. [[User:Teuxe|Teuxe]] ([[User talk:Teuxe|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Teuxe|contribs]]) 15:50, 18 August 2023 (UTC) == Aletheajohnn == ;Username : {{user|Aletheajohnn}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Aletheajohnn}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 05:34, 30 August 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Promotion like this is prohibited on Wikibooks. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:31, 30 August 2023 (UTC) == Tanbiruzzaman == ;Username : {{user|Tanbiruzzaman}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Tanbiruzzaman}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion/Bob Baker Vs Rocky Marciano 2.3.56]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikibooks:Requests for deletion/Bob Baker Vs Rocky Marciano 2.3.56}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was just reverting vandalism on the page, but triggered by the Filter description: Abuse 23 ;Date and time : 13:39, 3 September 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == to upper case method for c# == ;Username : {{user|212.219.48.125}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:212.219.48.125}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[A-level_Computing/AQA/Paper_1/Skeleton_program/202 4]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:A-level_Computing/AQA/Paper_1/Skeleton_program/202 4}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Trying to put a method to convert to upper case for c# ;Date and time : 13:41, 15 September 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Tony Rose Orge-Monzales == ;Username : {{user|Tony Rose Orge-Monzales}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Tony Rose Orge-Monzales}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[= '''Educational Developments in the Philippines''' =]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:= '''Educational Developments in the Philippines''' =}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Published my work with no external links ;Date and time : 09:46, 17 September 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 87.58.32.132 == ;Username : {{user|87.58.32.132}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:87.58.32.132}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikijunior:Kings and Queens of England/Future monarchs]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikijunior:Kings and Queens of England/Future monarchs}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : A few months after Elizabeth II died, I copied and repurposed some material about Charles III from this article into the article [[Wikijunior:Kings and Queens of England/The House of Windsor]]. When I tried deleting the now redundant Charles biography on "Future monarchs", it kept warning me that I was deleting large amounts of material. I wrote a message on the [[Wikijunior talk:Kings and Queens of England/Future monarchs|"Future monarchs" talk page]] asking someone else to delete the Charles bio, but no one has done so. I probably should have come here and asked for help back then, and I apologize for not doing that. I would appreciate if someone who is authorized to do so deleted the Charles bio at "Future monarchs". Thank you. ;Date and time : 06:56, 20 September 2023 (UTC) ;Comments {{done}} Thanks for the heads-up! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 12:32, 20 September 2023 (UTC) == Fabrickator == ;Username : {{user|Fabrickator}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Fabrickator}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[[[Professionalism/Boston's Big Dig Project]]]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:[[Professionalism/Boston's Big Dig Project]]}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : rescue broken "boston.com" link with Wayback link ;Date and time : 16:43, 29 September 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Heads-up: I went to look at the wayback link in order to add it in manually for you, but it was broken. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:14, 30 September 2023 (UTC) == Adolfo Martin Fuentes == ;Username : {{user|Adolfo Martin Fuentes}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Adolfo Martin Fuentes}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[BASIC Programming]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:BASIC Programming}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was adding two links to normative documents ;Date and time : 15:23, 7 October 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Adolfo Martin Fuentes == ;Username : {{user|Adolfo Martin Fuentes}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Adolfo Martin Fuentes}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[BASIC_Programming/Introduction]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:BASIC_Programming/Introduction}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was creating a new page as a framework for subsequent editing ;Date and time : 18:59, 7 October 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Mikedavid.1525 == ;Username : {{user|Mikedavid.1525}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Mikedavid.1525}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I've made a slight modification to the text to enhance clarity and flow: here my updated text online Python editor and compiler that allows you to run your Python code without the need for any installation. With this convenient web-based tool, you can write, test, and execute Python code instantly. ;Date and time : 09:18, 8 October 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 92.17.242.176 == ;Username : {{user|92.17.242.176}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:92.17.242.176}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Ohio_7th_Grade_World_History/Spread_and_Impact_of_the_Black_Death]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Ohio_7th_Grade_World_History/Spread_and_Impact_of_the_Black_Death}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : orthographic and grammatical corrections. Also, plague is caused by a bacterium, not by a virus as wrongly stated in one of the sections of this article ;Date and time : 07:21, 18 October 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :What were you doing when you made the edit? <sup>&#8212; [[User:L10nM4st3r|<span style="color:#c71300">L10nM4st3r</span>]]</sup> / <sub>[[User talk:L10nM4st3r|<span style="color:#ce3f00">'''ROAR''' at me!</span>]]</sub> 08:00, 18 October 2023 (UTC) ::This was a good edit that fell foul of an edit filter because your account (or IP address in this case) is new. It was triggered by including the word "suck" which is a common word for vandals to insert. I have made the edit for you. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 10:16, 18 October 2023 (UTC) == Kdmz == ;Username : {{user|Kdmz}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Kdmz}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Arabic/Online_resources]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Arabic/Online_resources}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Tried to add a new Arabic resource which presents an Arabic keyboard with a unique automatic diacritization feature and comprehensive Arabic grammar lessons from beginner to advanced levels but the edit triggered an automated throttle. ;Date and time : 18:45, 15 October 2023 (UTC) ;Comments :{{ping|Kdmz}} Post a link that isnt the actual link, so like this: '''example.com/example''' instead of '''https://example.com/example'''. Then another user who can post external links will/should come along and make it a link. <sup>&#8212; [[User:L10nM4st3r|<span style="color:#c71300">L10nM4st3r</span>]]</sup> / <sub>[[User talk:L10nM4st3r|<span style="color:#ce3f00">'''ROAR''' at me!</span>]]</sub> 08:08, 17 October 2023 (UTC) ::{{ping|Kdmz}} My original ping didnt work, now the issue has been fixed <sup>&#8212; [[User:L10nM4st3r|<span style="color:#c71300">L10nM4st3r</span>]]</sup> / <sub>[[User talk:L10nM4st3r|<span style="color:#ce3f00">'''ROAR''' at me!</span>]]</sub> 08:34, 17 October 2023 (UTC) :::Ok done [[User:Kdmz|Kdmz]] ([[User talk:Kdmz|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kdmz|contribs]]) 19:14, 6 November 2023 (UTC) <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Daeraxa == ;Username : {{user|Daeraxa}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Daeraxa}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Using_an_external_Editor_with_OpenSCAD]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Using_an_external_Editor_with_OpenSCAD}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Attempting to add links to the "Support of external editors" section in order to add the link to both the Pulsar editor homepage and the relevant package - particularly relevant as Pulsar is the only actively maintained and developed fork of Atom and has nearly all of Atom's original packages. No commercial link spamming here as Pulsar is completely FOSS and has no monetisation other than a few donation links on the webpage in order to try and offset hosting costs. (Unrelated but this page keeps prompting to hit a "Save page" button which does not appear to exist? This is in the instructions banner as well as in the acceptance for ToS and Privacy Policy). ;Date and time : 18:33, 12 September 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Sorry this got missed! I made the edit for you since there are restrictions on new/inexperienced users adding external links due to spam. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 02:35, 21 November 2023 (UTC) :Thanks for sorting that, part of the URL got missed (probably by me initially) so I've added it in and it seems to have let me do it. [[User:Daeraxa|Daeraxa]] ([[User talk:Daeraxa|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Daeraxa|contribs]]) 03:06, 21 November 2023 (UTC) == 204.116.105.26 == ;Username : {{user|204.116.105.26}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:204.116.105.26}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Ancient History/Greece/Mycenaean Civilization]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Ancient History/Greece/Mycenaean Civilization}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : My friend tried to make a joke and put "I AM A DINOSAUR" on my other friend's computer and I was trying to change it back to "The Iliad" ;Date and time : 20:13, 4 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == O andras == ;Username : {{user|O andras}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:O andras}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[The_World_of_Peer-to-Peer_(P2P)/What_is_Peer-to-Peer_(P2P)/Legal_Perspective]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:The_World_of_Peer-to-Peer_(P2P)/What_is_Peer-to-Peer_(P2P)/Legal_Perspective}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : An external URL now results in HTTP 404, so I was replacing it with an archive.org version instead. ;Date and time : 18:52, 6 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Joris Darlington Quarshie == ;Username : {{user|Joris Darlington Quarshie}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Joris Darlington Quarshie}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Creating User:Joris Darlington Quarshie/Userscript/Chapter Progress Tracker]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Creating User:Joris Darlington Quarshie/Userscript/Chapter Progress Tracker}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was creating a page for a userscript i just created for wikibooks. ;Date and time : 11:42, 13 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments @[[User:Joris Darlington Quarshie]] It looks like you were flagged due to the presence of links in your edit, since new users have restrictions on adding links to pages. Would you like me to add the content for you? —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 16:55, 16 December 2023 (UTC) == RandomEditin == ;Username : {{user|RandomEditin}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:RandomEditin}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=OpenSCAD_User_Manual/DXF_Extrusion]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Using_the_2D_Subsystem}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to fix link rot by replacing the link with a archived version. ;Date and time : 04:43, 20 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments I've fixed it for you. Cheers! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:29, 20 December 2023 (UTC) == Helrasincke == ;Username : {{user|Helrasincke}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Helrasincke}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[LaTeX/Special_Characters#External_links]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:LaTeX/Special_Characters#External_links}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Triggered throttle whilst attempting to replace dead URLs with archived versions. Please rectify. Cheers ;Date and time : 11:19, 26 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments {{done}} cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:07, 26 December 2023 (UTC) == 213.175.171.242 == ;Username : {{user|213.175.171.242}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:213.175.171.242}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...d5/2._exd5/2...Qxd5/3._Ke2/3...Qe4]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Chess_Opening_Theory/1._e4/1...d5/2._exd5/2...Qxd5/3._Ke2/3...Qe4}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to add some content about the last move, but I got blocked by 'repeated vandalism attempts'. But, I was trying to add content to it! ;Date and time : 16:10, 27 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 139.130.241.224 == ;Username : {{user|139.130.241.224}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:139.130.241.224}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikibooks:Sandbox]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikibooks:Sandbox}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to experiment with the sandbox, but a filter said that my edit will not be published as it is considers it as vandalism. ;Date and time : 08:19, 3 January 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == SociableFish == ;Username : {{user|SociableFish}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:SociableFish}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[More C++ Idioms/Curiously Recurring Template Pattern]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:More C++ Idioms/Curiously Recurring Template Pattern}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to edit the CRTP page to add a simpler way you can do it in C++23 using explicit this parameter. Because people might not know what those 3 words mean, I wanted to make the 3 words link to the cppreference page about it. cppreference is the C++ reference wiki that most people use. ;Date and time : 19:24, 27 December 2023 (UTC) ;Comments Hi {{ping|SociableFish}} New users are restricted in their ability to add links in order to prevent spam. I'd recommend adding everything but the link, and then someone else can help you. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 17:08, 6 January 2024 (UTC) == 49.187.16.86 == ;Username : {{user|49.187.16.86}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:49.187.16.86}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikibooks:Sandbox]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikibooks:Sandbox}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I wanted to edit the Sandbox, isn't it a page for experimenting? Because it said that I am making unconstructive edits. Can you please fix this? ;Date and time : 03:05, 10 January 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <span class="template-ping">@[[:User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]]:</span> do you know why this pinged a filter? It does seem like a reasonable use of the sandbox. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 19:22, 10 January 2024 (UTC) :{{re|Kittycataclysm}}, the IP hit filter 18 - that's a simple rate filter. Seemed like the user was trying to make (to the filter) quick edits; we should improve this. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 17:40, 12 January 2024 (UTC) ::Got it, thanks! Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to go about making this kind of change. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 00:23, 15 January 2024 (UTC) == Spindown == ;Username : {{user|Spindown}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Spindown}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[[[How to Solve the Rubik's Cube]]]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:[[How to Solve the Rubik's Cube]]}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was fleshing out part of the beginner methods section, since it had some material that was still in raw point form, and the instructions were incomplete. The link I provided, which triggered the spam filter, is a tutorial with diagrams that do a better job of explaining these steps. I would have added it as a citation, but I used a link to follow the style of the rest of the section. ;Date and time : 18:25, 12 January 2024 (UTC) ;Comments Hi {{ping|Spindown}}! I'd recommend using citations over simply inserting links. I believe it is more appropriate for the book format and the way the link is being used. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 00:28, 15 January 2024 (UTC) :I agree that citations would be better, however that clashes with the format of the existing text. [[User:Spindown|Spindown]] ([[User talk:Spindown|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Spindown|contribs]]) 21:35, 5 April 2024 (UTC) == 110.54.146.208 == --[[Special:Contributions/110.54.146.208|110.54.146.208]] ([[User talk:110.54.146.208|discuss]])media<math><math></math>~ ;Username : {{user|110.54.146.208}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:110.54.146.208}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 07:13, 16 January 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Zoetanya == ;Username : {{user|Zoetanya}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Zoetanya}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Creating About the DAReS project]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Creating About the DAReS project}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : insert an external link to the project to provide more information on it for incoming Hackathon participants ;Date and time : 05:02, 26 January 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Fabrickator == ;Username : {{user|Fabrickator}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Fabrickator}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Replace link for "European Dream of Progress and Enlightenment" with wayback link : Sadly, it wouldn't allow including the url I was adding so had to delete it ... now I try to add it : : web.archive.org/web/20080410041858/http://history-world.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm ;Date and time : 03:16, 9 February 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 96.230.237.221 == ;Username : {{user|96.230.237.221}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:96.230.237.221}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was adding clarification about a calculator program that caused my class and I confusion. I was editing the "Editing TI-Basic 84 Programming/ A Basic Program for clarity in using quotation marks/ string markers to enclose the message and make the program function. ;Date and time : 01:24, 28 February 2024 (UTC) ;Comments I added the clarification for you. Cheers! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 02:14, 28 February 2024 (UTC) == TomKeane03 == ;Username : {{user|TomKeane03}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:TomKeane03}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Uploading my univeristy assignment as required. will not let me save. all my own work with appropriate in text referencing and bibliography. ;Date and time : 09:59, 4 March 2024 (UTC) ;Comments I believe this occurred because you are a new editor trying to make a large edit. Try making smaller edits. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:44, 4 March 2024 (UTC) == 223.24.187.153 == [[Special:Contributions/223.24.187.153|223.24.187.153]] ([[User talk:223.24.187.153|discuss]]) 16:22, 16 March 2024 (UTC) ;Username : {{user|223.24.187.153}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:223.24.187.153}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 16:22, 16 March 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 172.59.218.11 == ;Username : {{user|172.59.218.11}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:172.59.218.11}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : change lbs-ft to ft-lbs for every torque setting listed. ;Date and time : 12:30, 18 March 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Dmlsjournal == ;Username : {{user|Dmlsjournal}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Dmlsjournal}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 01:56, 1 April 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Raidarr == ;Username : {{user|Raidarr}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Raidarr}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[User_talk:Kittycataclysm]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:User_talk:Kittycataclysm}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Attempted notification that KC's impersonator on miraheze is locked and recommending a usurption request if there is an interest in claiming that name on miraheze in the future. ;Date and time : 14:39, 11 April 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Rodejong == ;Username : {{user|Rodejong}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Rodejong}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[User_talk:Kittycataclysm]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:User_talk:Kittycataclysm}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to notify Kittycataclysm, that the impersonator at Miraheze now has been globally locked, but what ever message I try to send, the message is blocked by Operator873's Filter. - The message is: →I am a MH Volunteer. FYI, this user requested a new wiki, Global permissions and Stewardship within a day. And He/She referred to this account. So by coincident [[User:Xeverything11|Xeverything11]] confirmed my suspicion. Said user account is now disabled. I hope this takes away the awkward feeling it must give to have an imposter using your on-wiki presence. Kind regards<nowiki>, ~~~~</nowiki>← Not even "This user has been globally locked at MH." can be posted in that topic. Don't know what goes on, but this is weird. ;Date and time : 14:17, 11 April 2024 (UTC) ;Comments {{ping|Leaderboard}} Do you know why this user and the user below encountered this issue with my talk page? The filter it tripped doesn't seem to be local. Thanks! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 18:33, 11 April 2024 (UTC) :{{re|Kittycataclysm}}, it's a global filter maintained by {{re|Operator873}} - you probably can't see it because it's a hidden global filter. To Operator873: the filter message says that you intended to disable it, but you enabled it later. Can you adjust the filter to make use of global edit counts at least? Also, Kittycataclysm, you may want to apply for [[meta:AFH|abuse filter helper]] as that will allow you to view these global filters if this helps you in diagnosing these issues better (but it's optional). [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 18:53, 11 April 2024 (UTC) ::{{re|Rodejong|Raidarr}} - pinging you with the explanation above. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 18:53, 11 April 2024 (UTC) :::Thank you very much. At least @[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] was notified. And a problem discovered that can be dealt with. All in all "2 flies in one smack" [[User:Rodejong|Rodejong]] ([[User talk:Rodejong|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Rodejong|contribs]]) 08:19, 12 April 2024 (UTC) ::@[[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] I cannot. I'm no longer a steward, nor meta sysop. I'd suggest requesting that filter be disabled on [[meta:Steward_requests/Miscellaneous|Meta:SRM]] for assistance. [[User:Operator873|Operator873]] ([[User talk:Operator873|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Operator873|contribs]]) 04:05, 12 April 2024 (UTC) == 114.77.81.207 == ;Username : {{user|114.77.81.207}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:114.77.81.207}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Transportation Planning Casebook/Cross River Rail]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Transportation Planning Casebook/Cross River Rail}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Trying to edit my university assignment, the error is claiming I am adding a link, although I have not added any link in the main body, only using the cite/reference tool. If I attempt to submit with the reference removed, it claims I am adding unconstructive information. ;Date and time : 07:42, 26 April 2024 (UTC) ;Comments I'm not sure why this is getting flagged by the filter. {{ping|Leaderboard}} do you know what's going on here? My only recommendation would be to make an account. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 12:32, 26 April 2024 (UTC) :{{re|Kittycataclysm}} The links are the issue. I recommend the user to create an account, and reference properly (i.e, don't just put a bunch of links at the end). [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 13:11, 26 April 2024 (UTC) == 108.35.187.110 == ;Username : {{user|108.35.187.110}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:108.35.187.110}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Writing Adolescent Fiction/Character names/Arab]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Writing Adolescent Fiction/Character names/Arab}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Since this page had a lot of content removed (the boy’s name and most of the girl’s name section), I was trying to bring it back, but for some reason, it kept giving me an error. Can you bring the removed content back? ;Date and time : 14:44, 25 May 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Bkil == ;Username : {{user|Bkil}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Bkil}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[JavaScript/Bookmarklets]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:JavaScript/Bookmarklets}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Replace a broken link with a web.archive.org version ;Date and time : 23:54, 6 June 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Gberkolaiko == ;Username : {{user|Gberkolaiko}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Gberkolaiko}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Quantum Graphs]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Quantum Graphs}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Adding a reference to a published article. ;Date and time : 20:39, 19 April 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{done}} Already done by the user. [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 15:15, 1 July 2024 (UTC) == Hordes222 == ;Username : {{user|Hordes222}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Hordes222}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[User_talk:SHB2000]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:User_talk:SHB2000}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I am trying to ask about creating a short page for the Irish Gambit (which would be Chess Opening Theory/1. e4 e5 2. Nf6 Nc6 3. Nxe5??). The page had been previously protected for vandalism, which triggered the filter, but my proposed edit is unrelated to said vandalism (see [[User:Hordes222/sandbox|my sandbox]] for what I would add). ;Date and time : 22:52, 6 May 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{done}} Appears to now exist at [[Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Nf3/2...Nc6/3. Nxe5]]. [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 15:15, 1 July 2024 (UTC) == 92.29.137.45 == ;Username : {{user|92.29.137.45}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:92.29.137.45}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 15:14, 15 May 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{Not done}} Doesn't appear constructive, and you don't appear to have provided any summary to explain the edit. [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 15:15, 1 July 2024 (UTC) == Bkil == ;Username : {{user|Bkil}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Bkil}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[User:Bkil]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:User:Bkil}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : tried to link to Wikipedia ;Date and time : 23:57, 6 June 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{done}} [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 15:15, 1 July 2024 (UTC) == TheMonkeyEatsBananas == ;Username : {{user|TheMonkeyEatsBananas}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:TheMonkeyEatsBananas}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/User_talk:SHB2000]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/User_talk:SHB2000}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was seeking to add a new message to SHB2000's unarchived discussion page to discuss the false report that I filed above. However, this resulted in this new message also being automatically removed. ;Date and time : 06:16, 6 July 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{re|TheMonkeyEatsBananas}} - can you try your previous edit on Physics again? Regarding the issue with {{re|SHB2000}}, the problem is that she (alongside a few other contributors) has been the target of harassment, which is why that edit was blocked. This will no longer happen once you get some experience. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 07:43, 6 July 2024 (UTC) :I've amended the abuse filter to set this wiki as an exception (in addition to enwikivoyage), but Leaderboard has said everything that you [TheMonkeyEatsBananas] need to know. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 07:50, 6 July 2024 (UTC) :@[[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] Thank you for your reply. :Unfortunately with the Physics project, I didn't back up my work immediately before saving it. However, with about 20-30 minutes of spare time, I'll probably be able to attempt my edit again on the Unit 1 subpage of the project. I'll try this after I send this reply. :Also, regarding harassment of any user on Wikimedia, that's particularly awful, and I hope the broader community is seeking to find a solution to further limit and prevent such activity. [[User:TheMonkeyEatsBananas|TheMonkeyEatsBananas]] ([[User talk:TheMonkeyEatsBananas|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/TheMonkeyEatsBananas|contribs]]) 08:22, 6 July 2024 (UTC) ::You can usually check the content of what you wrote before it was blocked on <span class="plainlinks>[https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser=TheMonkeyEatsBananas Special:AbuseLog]</span>. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 09:06, 6 July 2024 (UTC) :::Thank you. To note, I don't yet have the permissions for that as my account is still under four days old. I was able to rewrite what I had from the back-up and I ran into the same error, specifically "IP Large Edits." Would the best approach for transferring the content be to simply wait until I'm a confirmed user? [[User:TheMonkeyEatsBananas|TheMonkeyEatsBananas]] ([[User talk:TheMonkeyEatsBananas|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/TheMonkeyEatsBananas|contribs]]) 09:23, 6 July 2024 (UTC) ::::Yeah, I would say just wait till July 9 and then you'll become an autoconfirmed user. Unfortunately, we don't have any bureaucrats on this wiki to manually confirm you. --[[User:SHB2000|SHB2000]] ([[User talk:SHB2000|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/SHB2000|contribs]]) 09:43, 6 July 2024 (UTC) :::::{{re|TheMonkeyEatsBananas}} A steward has overridden this for you - try now. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 13:15, 6 July 2024 (UTC) == LKreissig == ;Username : {{user|LKreissig}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:LKreissig}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Polyomino]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Polyomino}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Publishing has just been denied only because I mentioned the reputable online integer encyclopedia oeis.org. That is not any kind of commercial advertisement! ;Date and time : 23:53, 14 August 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :Just make the edit again with the URL omitted. Before doing so, make sure you name the page properly - it should be in a book, not a standalone page. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 12:34, 16 August 2024 (UTC) == TheMonkeyEatsBananas == ;Username : {{user|TheMonkeyEatsBananas}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:TheMonkeyEatsBananas}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Physics Explained Through a Video Game]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Physics Explained Through a Video Game}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : An introduction to classical mechanics with visual content from the website Bonk.io, a multiplayer physics game with a freely licensed policy for user-generated content. Although it uses examples from a video game as visual aids, the textbook only discusses real-world physics. The filtered edit was a transfer of Unit 1 of the textbook from the Bonk.io Wiki, a wiki under Fandom, Inc., to Wikibooks. To note, I am the only contributor of the original textbook content. My intention was to move the content from the Bonk.io Wiki to a more appropriate location and continue my work on the project here. Thank you for your consideration. ;Date and time : 22:06, 5 July 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{not done}} {{ping|TheMonkeyEatsBananas}} The edit needs attribution. [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 03:30, 18 September 2024 (UTC) == Kamui Kazi == ;Username : {{user|Kamui Kazi}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Kamui Kazi}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[PSP/Translation_Projects]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:PSP/Translation_Projects}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Add my translation project to the list of active projects ;Date and time : 16:34, 24 September 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{done}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 18:57, 25 September 2024 (UTC) == 24.183.148.225 == ;Username : {{user|24.183.148.225}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:24.183.148.225}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 15:34, 23 July 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{done}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 18:52, 25 September 2024 (UTC) :@[[User:Ternera|Ternera]] help block @[[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] [[Special:Contributions/2601:2C6:500:5300:CEDD:111D:42A3:BDE9|2601:2C6:500:5300:CEDD:111D:42A3:BDE9]] ([[User talk:2601:2C6:500:5300:CEDD:111D:42A3:BDE9|discuss]]) 22:06, 12 October 2024 (UTC) ::Bring it up with them, not me. [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 22:08, 12 October 2024 (UTC) :: (Note) This IP has a global block in /64. [[User:MathXplore|MathXplore]] ([[User talk:MathXplore|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MathXplore|contribs]]) 00:33, 13 October 2024 (UTC) :Hi [[Special:Contributions/41.122.132.102|41.122.132.102]] ([[User talk:41.122.132.102|discuss]]) 17:58, 5 November 2024 (UTC) == 75.172.52.200 == ;Username : {{user|75.172.52.200}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:75.172.52.200}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 20:38, 6 October 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> {{not done}} Please do not try to blank articles without a reason. [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 14:35, 9 October 2024 (UTC) :Why you are not done😭😭😭😭 [[Special:Contributions/41.122.132.102|41.122.132.102]] ([[User talk:41.122.132.102|discuss]]) 18:00, 5 November 2024 (UTC) == Mdhor123 == ;Username : {{user|Mdhor123}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Mdhor123}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Microsoft Office/PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Microsoft Office/PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Added a bunch of shortcuts to the list, but wasn't allowed to add the source. ;Date and time : 09:28, 3 November 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :As a new editor, adding an external link can trigger the edit filter like this. It wasn't the shortcuts that caused the problem, it was the URL. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 12:01, 4 November 2024 (UTC) == Tres Libras == ;Username : {{user|Tres Libras}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Tres Libras}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[XQuery/SPARQL Tutorial]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:XQuery/SPARQL Tutorial}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Anti-spam filter. ;Date and time : 00:22, 19 November 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> I understand that this abuse filter is in place to protect enwikibooks from spam. I was only trying to revert a problematic edit on XQuery/SPARQL Tutorial. I’m not a regular contributor here; I mainly focus on combating cross-wiki vandalism and monitoring small wikis. Best regards. : Looks like this was taken care of—thank you! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 00:51, 19 November 2024 (UTC) == Ab12gu == ;Username : {{user|Ab12gu}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Ab12gu}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[OpenJSCAD_User_Guide]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:OpenJSCAD_User_Guide}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : want to add openjscad link ;Date and time : 22:54, 10 December 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> * It does not look like you triggered any filters on that page? [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 01:51, 3 January 2025 (UTC) == 108.35.187.110 == ;Username : {{user|108.35.187.110}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:108.35.187.110}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I am trying to add a link to a page on this very wiki I was about to revise for the false positive, but the filter flagged me for using an external link. The page in question is the Arab names section of Writing Adolescent Fiction, which had a lot of names removed by a vandal. ;Date and time : 04:18, 21 November 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|done}} – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 22:10, 16 January 2025 (UTC) == 58.145.184.218 == ;Username : {{user|58.145.184.218}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:58.145.184.218}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 21:11, 17 December 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|ndefm}} – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 22:41, 16 January 2025 (UTC) == 192.0.217.147 == ;Username : {{user|192.0.217.147}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:192.0.217.147}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Chess_Opening_Theory/1._c4/1…c5/2._b4 I was trying to write a page about the Queen's Wing Gambit. That's it, hopefully I'm not an idiot. ;Date and time : 07:29, 22 December 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|alreadydone}} – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 10:49, 15 January 2025 (UTC) == 89.164.23.10 ah ffs, I was just trying to correct my spelling, but if wiki objects, whatever == ;Username : {{user|89.164.23.10}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:89.164.23.10}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 23:03, 2 January 2025 (UTC) ;Comments I've fixed this for you! —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 01:09, 3 January 2025 (UTC) == 2600:1700:25E0:2710:49AF:96EF:8A53:EA8E == ;Username : {{user|2600:1700:25E0:2710:49AF:96EF:8A53:EA8E}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:2600:1700:25E0:2710:49AF:96EF:8A53:EA8E}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Huh? ;Date and time : 16:56, 30 November 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == 204.100.235.104 == ;Username : {{user|204.100.235.104}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:204.100.235.104}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[How To Assemble A Desktop PC/Choosing the parts]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:How To Assemble A Desktop PC/Choosing the parts}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Adding updated information about modems ;Date and time : 22:01, 11 December 2024 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == AidenPrydeJF == ;Username : {{user|AidenPrydeJF}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:AidenPrydeJF}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Haskell/Getting set up]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Haskell/Getting set up}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Eliminated verbosity. Added links to Haskell Discord and IRC for Haskell environment installation assistance ;Date and time : 17:55, 1 January 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Jacobdgm == ;Username : {{user|Jacobdgm}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Jacobdgm}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[[[User:Jacobdgm]]]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:[[User:Jacobdgm]]}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Trying to add a link to my Wikipedia User page. I also tried to add a link to my personal website, similar to the link present on my Wikipedia User page, but even when I removed it, I continued to get the error message upon clicking "Publish". (Notably, I'm not even able to add a link to my Wikipedia User page [or, for that matter, my Wikibooks User page via URL] here. It's the same username, just in the Wikipedia domain.) I'm guessing the main reason I'm getting an error message is because my Wikibooks account wasn't activated until a few minutes ago, when I made an edit to a recipe. But it does seem a bit silly that I should not be able to link to other Wikipedia/Wikibooks pages... ;Date and time : 17:01, 31 January 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|defm}} The problem here is that you wrote the link to Wikipedia as https://..., which falls under the [[w:regular expression|regular expression]] for external links. I will look into the possibility of exempting links to Wikimedia projects from the filter. – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 17:49, 31 January 2025 (UTC) :We would rather prefer ''not'' using bare links and rather use relative URLs (i.e, [[wikipedia:]]) [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 02:30, 1 February 2025 (UTC) ::I do think we should allow bare links, since those are often used when linking to diffs or log entries (including on the local project). [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 02:34, 1 February 2025 (UTC) :::OK fair but that's not usually the case from my experience. [[User:Leaderboard|Leaderboard]] ([[User talk:Leaderboard|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Leaderboard|contribs]]) 03:02, 1 February 2025 (UTC) :::Are there not ways to link to these without bare linking? Like [[Special:Diff]]? It seems like unambiguously valid cases of bare-linking are rare, and discouraging bare-linking seems like a useful way to help reduce spamming. —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 16:37, 1 February 2025 (UTC) ::::Those options do exist, however it took me quite a while to learn about them when I was new to the Wikimedia movement, and new users are precisely those users to whom this filter applies. Equally, users might not be aware of interwiki links ([[Wikibooks:Reading_room/Archives/2024/December#Can_one_publish_single_articles_on_Wikibooks?|example]]), or the <code><nowiki>[{{fullurl:{{PAGENAME}}|action=edit}} edit]</nowiki></code> trick to link to a page's edit box (generally, only relatively advanced MediaWiki users are familiar with that one). Also, I find it hard to understand how exactly you could spam by linking to a Wikimedia project. Most spammers that we attempt to catch with this filter are attempting to use Wikimedia for [[w:search engine optimization|search engine optimization]] purposes, and linking to other Wikimedia projects seems like a very poor way of doing that. [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 17:05, 1 February 2025 (UTC) == 1.46.150.177 == ;Username : {{user|1.46.150.177}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:1.46.150.177}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Wikibooks:Featured books/Nominations]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Wikibooks:Featured books/Nominations}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : [[User:JJPMaster|I]] did not attempt to make this edit, but I found it while patrolling [[Special:AbuseLog]], and the "Repeated vandalism attempts" filter should not have applied. The user previously made two legitimate edits that were not caught by the filter a minute prior, but the RVA filter disallowed it. ;Date and time : 00:30, 8 February 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Backofficeaccountant == ;Username : {{user|Backofficeaccountant}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Backofficeaccountant}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : i want a edit a external link on my main page as a reference . please allow my page to do it it is necessary because of copyrights. ;Date and time : 11:25, 15 February 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> i want a edit a external link on my main page as a reference . please allow my page to do it it is necessary because of copyrights. :You are trying to spam a link to your website, which isn't allowed. And now you are blocked, goodbye. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 09:30, 17 February 2025 (UTC) == Ujumrfr == ;Username : {{user|Ujumrfr}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Ujumrfr}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 15:42, 11 March 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|notdone}} – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 18:35, 21 March 2025 (UTC) == CBID2 == ;Username : {{user|CBID2}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:CBID2}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Open Source Wikibooks]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Open Source Wikibooks}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to add a section about Christine Peterson(she came up with the name "open source" and I felt that it was important to add this information to give her proper acknowledgment because she and other women in the open source community are often not acknowledged for their efforts). Unfortunately, I keep getting an error message anytime I try to publish it. Can anyone help me solve it? ;Date and time : 17:12, 11 April 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : The link you've included aside, I don't think the quote you tried to add about the origin of the term "open source" is particularly useful. Also, the page you attempted to edit is [[Open Source]], not [[Open Source Wikibooks]] (which doesn't exist). [[User:TTWIDEE|TTWIDEE]] ([[User talk:TTWIDEE|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/TTWIDEE|contribs]]) 19:59, 11 April 2025 (UTC) == Locahox603 == ;Username : {{user|Locahox603}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Locahox603}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 16:07, 11 May 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|nd}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 14:33, 23 May 2025 (UTC) == Kcapoor == ;Username : {{user|Kcapoor}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Kcapoor}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 03:37, 28 April 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|nd}} [[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:02, 3 June 2025 (UTC) == 2A00:1E:DF03:1E01:D170:27F5:F15F:57E8 == ;Username : {{user|2A00:1E:DF03:1E01:D170:27F5:F15F:57E8}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:2A00:1E:DF03:1E01:D170:27F5:F15F:57E8}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[[[OpenSCAD User Manual/Input Devices]]]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:[[OpenSCAD User Manual/Input Devices]]}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was trying to improve the OpenSCAD input device manual, and added some links to the Debian and Arch linux wikis. Nothing too objectionable. I did spend some time making sure I was improving that page, so it'd be nice if those changes are accepted. ;Date and time : 11:00, 26 May 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|d}} Note that I removed the last sentence, which is unnecessary. Otherwise, your edit looked fine to implement. [[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 18:56, 3 June 2025 (UTC) == 38.211.149.56 == ;Username : {{user|38.211.149.56}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:38.211.149.56}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 10:52, 1 June 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|nd}} [[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 18:56, 3 June 2025 (UTC) == 176.1.132.105 == ;Username : {{user|176.1.132.105}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:176.1.132.105}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Handbook_of_Management_Scales/Procedural_justice]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Handbook_of_Management_Scales/Procedural_justice}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : trying to add a source with a link via doi . org ;Date and time : 22:44, 6 June 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|d|https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Handbook_of_Management_Scales/Procedural_justice&diff=prev&oldid=4519425}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 13:02, 23 June 2025 (UTC) == {{subst:136472 Makemake}} == ;Username : {{user|2601:2C6:580:1960:9DF8:EF8C:BD2D:E975}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:2601:2C6:580:1960:9DF8:EF8C:BD2D:E975}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[(1364720 Makemake]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:(1364720 Makemake}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I was editing it but it said "We are sorry, your edit can not be completed at this time. Your recent edits have repeatedly triggered the edit filter. To prevent users from repeatedly attempting to make unconstructive edits, your edit has been disallowed. If this is not your intention, we apologize for the inconvenience but please report this error and try your edit again later." ;Date and time : 21:58, 20 June 2025 (UTC) ;Comments The edit was blocked as likely vandalism. While you weren't attempting to vandalise, you were copying and pasting text from Wikipedia which is a breach of the site license. If you wish to import text from Wikipedia, please request an import at [[WB:RFI]] [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 09:35, 23 June 2025 (UTC) : Per the response above, I am marking as {{EFFP|nd}} [[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 12:00, 29 June 2025 (UTC) == Makerofjacket == Hello, I attempted to add an external link to makerofjacket.com as a relevant reference for leather fashion and design. The brand is mentioned in the context of leather skirt styles and is directly related to the subject. This is not promotional or spam content the link supports the topic and gives readers a source for further exploration. :It is spam, as is your username, so you are now blocked. [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 13:21, 1 July 2025 (UTC) == 185.164.156.170 == ;Username : {{user|185.164.156.170}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:185.164.156.170}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : ;Date and time : 18:53, 27 June 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|d}} Though I'll put in a separate edit to fix your link, since it appears to be dead, and I've found a working one online. [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 03:45, 6 July 2025 (UTC) == ValWinter == ;Username : {{user|ValWinter}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:ValWinter}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[Swedish]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:Swedish}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : I wanted to add the Swedish Phrasebook from Wikivoyage in the See Also section. Other WikiMedia sites related to the Swedish language were linked and I wanted to add this as well. My reason is through researching language acquisition people recommend using phrasebooks as a good starting place for learning essential grammar/words. If this is inappropriate I apologize and won't do it again. ;Date and time : 20:14, 1 July 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|nd}} {{ping|ValWinter}} I don't think this needs to be in there, as the Swedish language sites are probably enough, but thank you for your contribution! [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 03:48, 6 July 2025 (UTC) :: For filter 7, this shouldn’t have tripped on Wikipedia URLs which are disallowed by another filter. I'll try to fix that filter later, and perhaps filter 44. <span style="font-family:Verdana">[[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">'''''Codename Noreste'''''</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]])</span> 03:51, 6 July 2025 (UTC) :::{{ping|Codename Noreste}} I might suggest, by the way, that [[Special:AbuseLog/305229]] should not have been disallowed on this page, in the interests of allowing a user to report a perceived false positive to the noticeboard. [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]] ([[User talk:EggRoll97|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/EggRoll97|contribs]]) 04:12, 6 July 2025 (UTC) ::::Implementing a fix right now… <span style="font-family:Verdana">[[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">'''''Codename Noreste'''''</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]])</span> 04:15, 6 July 2025 (UTC) ::::: [[User:EggRoll97|EggRoll97]]: {{EFFP|fixed|Codename Noreste}} I tested this, and the false positive hit did not match. I also excluded some Wikimedia domains in addition to <code><ref</code>. The filter should now trip if http is in added_lines then added_links. <span style="font-family:Verdana">[[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">'''''Codename Noreste'''''</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|talk]] · [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]])</span> 04:24, 6 July 2025 (UTC) == MooseGooseTruce == ;Username : {{user|MooseGooseTruce}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:MooseGooseTruce}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[LaTeX/Installation]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:LaTeX/Installation}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Adding a link to the popular and well-maintained LaTeX plugin VimTeX to the Vim section. ;Date and time : 08:53, 17 July 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|nd|The filter is working correctly as it prevents new users from adding external links, but I am not sure if Github is considered acceptable to add such links to books}} <span style="font-family:Verdana">[[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">'''''Codename Noreste'''''</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#A1000E">talk</span>]])</span> 00:04, 21 July 2025 (UTC) == Kristien86 == ;Username : {{user|Kristien86}} ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchUser={{urlencode:Kristien86}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Jeep_Liberty/Suspension/Shocks_%26_Struts&veaction=edit&section=9]] ({{plainlinks|URL=http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Special:AbuseLog?title=Special:AbuseLog&wpSearchTitle={{urlencode:https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Jeep_Liberty/Suspension/Shocks_%26_Struts&veaction=edit&section=9}}|NAME=filter log}}) ;Description : Add an external link to Freedom Offroad USA - https://freedomoffroadusa.com/ ;Date and time : 20:53, 10 July 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :That was correctly blocked as probable spam. Please discuss on the page's talk page if you think there is value in adding the link [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) 08:39, 11 July 2025 (UTC) : {{EFFP|nd}} <span style="font-family:Verdana">[[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">'''''Codename Noreste'''''</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#A1000E">talk</span>]])</span> 16:03, 11 July 2025 (UTC) :Freedom Offroad USA is a similar/competitor company with the others listed/linked to. We added a valuable section on the topic of the page. Can we please have the link added? [[User:Kristien86|Kristien86]] ([[User talk:Kristien86|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kristien86|contribs]]) 22:25, 29 July 2025 (UTC) == Tonyroberts2 == ;Username : [[:b:User:Tonyroberts2|Tonyroberts2]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Tonyroberts2|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Tonyroberts2|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Tonyroberts2|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Tonyroberts2}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Tonyroberts2}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Tonyroberts2}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Python_Programming/Excel]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DPython_Programming%2FExcel}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DPython_Programming%2FExcel&wpSearchUser=Tonyroberts2}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Adding a section for PyXLL (and Excel add-in mentioned on this page with no further information). Added a link to the PyXLL website (pyxll.com), which is consistent with other sections on this page. ;Date and time : 11:55, 12 August 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Qbancoffee == ;Username : [[:b:User:Qbancoffee|Qbancoffee]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Qbancoffee|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Qbancoffee|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Qbancoffee|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Qbancoffee}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Qbancoffee}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Qbancoffee}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=DriveWire_4]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DDriveWire_4}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DDriveWire_4&wpSearchUser=Qbancoffee}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I'm trying to add content in the way of links and citations to a manual I am putting together for DriveWire 4 ;Date and time : 19:19, 11 October 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|f|Codename Noreste}} I went ahead and excluded a legitimate link, so it should not trigger the filter anymore. [[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 00:29, 12 October 2025 (UTC) == ~2025-60584-5 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2025-60584-5|~2025-60584-5]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2025-60584-5|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2025-60584-5|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2025-60584-5|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2025-60584-5}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2025-60584-5}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2025-60584-5}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Macedonian/Alphabet]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DMacedonian%2FAlphabet}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fw%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DMacedonian%2FAlphabet&wpSearchUser=%7E2025-60584-5}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Corrected the confusion between phonemic transcription (using the IPA standard and square brackets) and graphemic transcription (using local or international standards and angled brackets). Shortened and clarified some examples in the "notes" section as to not confuse the reader on sounds that cannot be approximated in the English language ;Date and time : 22:11, 13 September 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|f|Codename Noreste}} '''[[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]]''' ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:28, 26 October 2025 (UTC) == NigoraJurayeva == ;Username : [[:b:User:NigoraJurayeva|NigoraJurayeva]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:NigoraJurayeva|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/NigoraJurayeva|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/NigoraJurayeva|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:NigoraJurayeva}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:NigoraJurayeva}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=NigoraJurayeva}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 18:41, 13 November 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|nd}} [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:01, 15 November 2025 (UTC) == Imona61 == ;Username : [[:b:User:Imona61|Imona61]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Imona61|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Imona61|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Imona61|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Imona61}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Imona61}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Imona61}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 20:07, 13 November 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|notdone}} – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 18:54, 15 November 2025 (UTC) == Blogger-booster == ;Username : [[:b:User:Blogger-booster|Blogger-booster]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Blogger-booster|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Blogger-booster|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Blogger-booster|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Blogger-booster}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Blogger-booster}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Blogger-booster}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 12:24, 16 November 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|nd}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 23:51, 16 November 2025 (UTC) == Aroaceattorney == ;Username : [[:b:User:Aroaceattorney|Aroaceattorney]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Aroaceattorney|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Aroaceattorney|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Aroaceattorney|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Aroaceattorney}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Aroaceattorney}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Aroaceattorney}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[canadian refugee procedure]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=canadian+refugee+procedure}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=canadian+refugee+procedure&wpSearchUser=Aroaceattorney}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I was trying to add links of IRCC and CBSA's operational instructions and guidelines to the Home page of Canadian Refugee Procedure because I think it's useful for the readers to know how could the IRCC and/or CBSA handles an application. ;Date and time : 00:05, 21 December 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|done}} – [[User:JJPMaster|JJP]]<sub>[[User talk:JJPMaster|Mas]]<sub>[[Special:Contributions/JJPMaster|ter]]</sub></sub> ([[wikt:she|she]]/[[wikt:they|they]]) 00:29, 21 December 2025 (UTC) == ~2025-37703-14 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2025-37703-14|~2025-37703-14]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2025-37703-14|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2025-37703-14|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2025-37703-14|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2025-37703-14}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2025-37703-14}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks>[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2025-37703-14}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ada_Programming/Platform/POSIX]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fwiki%2FAda_Programming%2FPlatform%2FPOSIX}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikibooks.org%2Fwiki%2FAda_Programming%2FPlatform%2FPOSIX&wpSearchUser=%7E2025-37703-14}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Just trying to update a dead link. My last edit removed the old link, but soon afterward I found the new link. The new link is https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/1003.5b/1429/ ;Date and time : 03:04, 3 December 2025 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|d|4605219}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 15:09, 21 December 2025 (UTC) == ~2026-96124 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-96124|~2026-96124]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-96124|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-96124|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-96124|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-96124}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-96124}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-96124}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Math_for_Non-Geeks/_Limit_of_functions]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Math_for_Non-Geeks%2F_Limit_of_functions}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Math_for_Non-Geeks%2F_Limit_of_functions&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-96124}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : The article is an English translation of this article: https://de.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Serlo%3A_EN%3A_Limit_of_functions&uselang=en One of my collaborators translated it on de.wikibooks.org, while erroneously leaving a large proportion of German text at the bottom:https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Math_for_Non-Geeks/_Limit_of_functions I copied the article here: https://de.wikibooks.org/wiki/Mathe_f%C3%BCr_Nicht-Freaks:_Grenzwert_von_Funktionen and I tried to remove the excess text, so the content is in sync with the original German article. ;Date and time : 17:49, 5 January 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|ad|Sascha Lill 95}} [[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:55, 5 January 2026 (UTC) == ~2026-30281-5 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-30281-5|~2026-30281-5]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-30281-5|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-30281-5|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-30281-5|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-30281-5}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-30281-5}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-30281-5}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 21:12, 14 January 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|notdone}} – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 20:47, 18 January 2026 (UTC) == KT1234pro == ;Username : [[:b:User:KT1234pro|KT1234pro]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:KT1234pro|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/KT1234pro|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/KT1234pro|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:KT1234pro}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:KT1234pro}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=KT1234pro}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : Page not specified ;Description : ;Date and time : 06:54, 23 January 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|notdone}} – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 03:28, 24 January 2026 (UTC) == Standing Alone == ;Username : [[:b:User:Standing Alone|Standing Alone]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Standing Alone|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Standing Alone|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Standing Alone|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Standing Alone}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Standing Alone}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Standing+Alone}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[[[Python_Programming/Getting_Python|Python Programming]]]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=%5B%5BPython_Programming%2FGetting_Python%7CPython+Programming%5D%5D}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=%5B%5BPython_Programming%2FGetting_Python%7CPython+Programming%5D%5D&wpSearchUser=Standing+Alone}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : [[https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=Python_Programming/Getting_Python&diff=prev&oldid=4613227 change]] I was adding PyPy to the other distributions, and at the end, it mentioned the link to get the distribution. However, it seems that, due to spam prevention, the addition of external links is disabled. Could you please add this [[https://pypy.org/ link]] to that table? ;Date and time : 07:04, 23 January 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|d|diff}} [[User:Ternera|Ternera]] ([[User talk:Ternera|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Ternera|contribs]]) 15:29, 26 January 2026 (UTC) == Davidlovechess == ;Username : [[:b:User:Davidlovechess|Davidlovechess]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Davidlovechess|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Davidlovechess|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Davidlovechess|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Davidlovechess}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Davidlovechess}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Davidlovechess}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Pinyin]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Pinyin}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Pinyin&wpSearchUser=Davidlovechess}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : deleting what i personally think is usless to the topic ;Date and time : 14:08, 4 February 2026 (UTC) ;Comments :The edit was correctly blocked. A new editor deleting more than half the page because you "think is usless"[sic] was correctly identified as likely vandalism. I suggest you make smaller edits, and learn more about this project, before wading in to make large changes like this. <!-- Template:Unsigned --><small class="autosigned">—&nbsp;Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[User:MarcGarver|MarcGarver]] ([[User talk:MarcGarver#top|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/MarcGarver|contribs]]) </small> 17:38, 4 February 2026 (UTC) == Engmark == ;Username : [[:b:User:Engmark|Engmark]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Engmark|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Engmark|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Engmark|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Engmark}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Engmark}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Engmark}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[QEMU/Monitor]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=QEMU%2FMonitor}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=QEMU%2FMonitor&wpSearchUser=Engmark}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Update keys for QEMU 10.1.2 ;Date and time : 14:21, 31 January 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|done|4618023}} [[User:PieWriter|PieWriter]] ([[User talk:PieWriter|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/PieWriter|contribs]]) 01:07, 7 February 2026 (UTC) == X5DragonFire == ;Username : [[:b:User:X5DragonFire|X5DragonFire]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:X5DragonFire|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/X5DragonFire|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/X5DragonFire|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:X5DragonFire}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:X5DragonFire}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=X5DragonFire}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Anatomy and Physiology of Animals/Print version]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Anatomy+and+Physiology+of+Animals%2FPrint+version}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Anatomy+and+Physiology+of+Animals%2FPrint+version&wpSearchUser=X5DragonFire}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I was editng the print version of the Anatomy and Physiology of Animals page to be more print friendly, and in doing so copied the image from Anatomy and Physiology of Animals/Cardiovascular System into that page in order to replace a non-print-friendly template. The description of that image has a link to what I assume is the original creator of that image on Flickr. My guess is that's what is getting flagged. ;Date and time : 22:49, 5 February 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> :{{EFFP|done|4618018}} [[User:PieWriter|PieWriter]] ([[User talk:PieWriter|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/PieWriter|contribs]]) 01:01, 7 February 2026 (UTC) == Davidlovechess == ;Username : [[:b:User:Davidlovechess|Davidlovechess]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Davidlovechess|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Davidlovechess|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Davidlovechess|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Davidlovechess}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Davidlovechess}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Davidlovechess}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Classical_Chinese/Lesson_6]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Classical_Chinese%2FLesson_6}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Classical_Chinese%2FLesson_6&wpSearchUser=Davidlovechess}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : i was trying to replace the text ;Date and time : 10:06, 5 February 2026 (UTC) ;Comments :{{EFFP|note}} I can verify that they are indeed making huge modifications to the lessons in [[Classical Chinese]], as the original texts were harder and longer, and many of the explanations for the original texts were incomplete. The texts that they use are simpler and are more useful as an introductory guide to Classical Chinese. [[Classical Chinese/Lesson 6]]'s text (“喜雨亭记”) was long and there is a huge table on the page; they are trying to replace the table with their own text. [[User:Jianhui67|'''<span style="color:#0E0">Jianhui67</span>''']]<sup> [[User talk:Jianhui67|<span style="color:#1E90FF">'''talk'''</span>]]<span style="color:red">★</span>[[Special:Contributions/Jianhui67|<span style="color:#1E90FF">'''contribs'''</span>]]</sup> 11:12, 5 February 2026 (UTC) :{{EFFP|d|4618085}} Consider it done, as there seems to be no objections to the content replacement, though you might want to see what you can do with the original text 喜雨亭记. [[User:Jianhui67|'''<span style="color:#0E0">Jianhui67</span>''']]<sup> [[User talk:Jianhui67|<span style="color:#1E90FF">'''talk'''</span>]]<span style="color:red">★</span>[[Special:Contributions/Jianhui67|<span style="color:#1E90FF">'''contribs'''</span>]]</sup> 17:07, 7 February 2026 (UTC) == WestenM86 == ;Username : [[:b:User:WestenM86|WestenM86]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:WestenM86|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/WestenM86|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/WestenM86|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:WestenM86}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:WestenM86}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=WestenM86}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Infrastructure Past, Present, and Future Casebook/Washington Metro]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Infrastructure+Past%2C+Present%2C+and+Future+Casebook%2FWashington+Metro}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Infrastructure+Past%2C+Present%2C+and+Future+Casebook%2FWashington+Metro&wpSearchUser=WestenM86}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : We are students who are just trying to figure out this system and make our start for this project made by our professor. We are allowed to do this by George Mason University. ;Date and time : 18:20, 20 February 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|done|4620689}} I have added the text for you and moved the page to [[User:WestenM86/Infrastructure Past, Present, and Future Casebook/Washington Metro]], but please do not try to remove {{tl|delete}} templates. – [[User:PieWriter|PieWriter]] ([[User talk:PieWriter|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/PieWriter|contribs]]) 12:42, 26 February 2026 (UTC) == VarastadDB == ;Username : [[:b:User:VarastadDB|VarastadDB]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:VarastadDB|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/VarastadDB|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/VarastadDB|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:VarastadDB}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:VarastadDB}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=VarastadDB}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[User:VarastadDerBedrosian]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=User%3AVarastadDerBedrosian}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=User%3AVarastadDerBedrosian&wpSearchUser=VarastadDB}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I am a new editor attempting to establish a biographical record for Varastad DerBedrosian, a computer scientist and founder of SecureUp Corp and GadgetWide Solutions. The initial "out of scope" flag likely triggered due to placeholder data from the account's setup phase. I am currently transitioning the content to a neutral, encyclopedic tone (WP:NPOV) and adding third-party citations to technical archives to verify the subject's historical impact on the cybersecurity and mobile utility sectors. I request the removal of the deletion tag to allow for these improvements in the Draft space. ;Date and time : 08:12, 28 February 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|notdone}} – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 17:28, 11 March 2026 (UTC) == Jon Peli Oleaga == ;Username : [[:b:User:Jon Peli Oleaga|Jon Peli Oleaga]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Jon Peli Oleaga|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Jon Peli Oleaga|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Jon Peli Oleaga|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Jon Peli Oleaga}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Jon Peli Oleaga}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Jon+Peli+Oleaga}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[FORTRAN program for calculating representative parameters and operating conditions of AC overhead transmission lines]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=FORTRAN+program+for+calculating+representative+parameters+and+operating+conditions+of+AC+overhead+transmission+lines}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=FORTRAN+program+for+calculating+representative+parameters+and+operating+conditions+of+AC+overhead+transmission+lines&wpSearchUser=Jon+Peli+Oleaga}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I want to insert the code of the program and the input and output data of some examples; to show how data is entered and the coincidence of the results with what was said in the book of the Electric Power Researh Institute published 1n 1975 "Transmission Line Reference Book 345 kv and Above". I have generated all that information; directly or using the program.--[[User:Jon Peli Oleaga|Jon Peli Oleaga]] ([[User talk:Jon Peli Oleaga|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Jon Peli Oleaga|contribs]]) 11:54, 11 March 2026 (UTC) ;Date and time : 11:54, 11 March 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == Kingofnuthin == ;Username : [[:b:User:Kingofnuthin|Kingofnuthin]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Kingofnuthin|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Kingofnuthin|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Kingofnuthin|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Kingofnuthin}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Kingofnuthin}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Kingofnuthin}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[America's voice]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=America%27s+voice}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=America%27s+voice&wpSearchUser=Kingofnuthin}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Needs removal of other deletion templates as i did a second CSD for previously deleted page. ;Date and time : 16:56, 25 March 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|fixed}} I changed a line of the filter so that certain user groups with <code>autoreview</code> are exempt. – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:18, 27 March 2026 (UTC) == Dom32628 == ;Username : [[:b:User:Dom32628|Dom32628]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Dom32628|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Dom32628|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Dom32628|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Dom32628}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Dom32628}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Dom32628}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Chess_Opening_Theory/1._c4/1...g5]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Chess_Opening_Theory%2F1._c4%2F1...g5}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Chess_Opening_Theory%2F1._c4%2F1...g5&wpSearchUser=Dom32628}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Added a link to Lichess.org in References. Lichess is free, open source and well regarded by the wiki community, showing the English Opening: Zilbermints Gambit. If there is a preferred referencing style to not reference lichess here, even if it is free & open source, let me know :) ;Date and time : 23:46, 27 March 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == ~2026-21344-85 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-21344-85|~2026-21344-85]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-21344-85|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-21344-85|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-21344-85|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-21344-85}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-21344-85}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-21344-85}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[I am looking to link the youtube videos corresponding to each episode]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=I+am+looking+to+link+the+youtube+videos+corresponding+to+each+episode}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=I+am+looking+to+link+the+youtube+videos+corresponding+to+each+episode&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-21344-85}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : ;Date and time : 04:47, 12 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == ~2026-21344-85 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-21344-85|~2026-21344-85]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-21344-85|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-21344-85|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-21344-85|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-21344-85}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-21344-85}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-21344-85}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[SJMFTVF/sandbox (keep as sandbox, is for Screen Junkies Movie Fights & TV Fights)]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=SJMFTVF%2Fsandbox+%28keep+as+sandbox%2C+is+for+Screen+Junkies+Movie+Fights+%26+TV+Fights%29}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=SJMFTVF%2Fsandbox+%28keep+as+sandbox%2C+is+for+Screen+Junkies+Movie+Fights+%26+TV+Fights%29&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-21344-85}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Looking to update info for about 80 episodes, including links to the associated youtube videos. This has been done for previous episode summaries. Also, I have no way to prove this, but I am the creator of the page. I don't have access to the email associated with the SJMFTVF account anymore. ;Date and time : 06:56, 12 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> == ~2026-22598-75 == ;Username : [[:b:User:~2026-22598-75|~2026-22598-75]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:~2026-22598-75|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/~2026-22598-75|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/~2026-22598-75|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:~2026-22598-75}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:~2026-22598-75}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=%7E2026-22598-75}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[History Books/Who Was Alexander the Great/Introduction]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=History+Books%2FWho+Was+Alexander+the+Great%2FIntroduction}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=History+Books%2FWho+Was+Alexander+the+Great%2FIntroduction&wpSearchUser=%7E2026-22598-75}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : The page was tagged for speedy deletion due to being a subpage of a nonexistent book, but I have since created the parent books. However, it won’t let me remove the tag, now that the problem has been addressed. Leave the rest of this page intact. --> ;Date and time : 17:39, 12 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|done}} – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 22:15, 12 April 2026 (UTC) == Idavidmiller == ;Username : [[:b:User:Idavidmiller|Idavidmiller]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Idavidmiller|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Idavidmiller|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Idavidmiller|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Idavidmiller}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Idavidmiller}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Idavidmiller}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Maxima/Installation]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Maxima%2FInstallation}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Maxima%2FInstallation&wpSearchUser=Idavidmiller}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : Revising this page as it is way too complex for the intended audience. The external links prevent copying extensive sections from project installation instruction pages. ;Date and time : 15:10, 20 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : <span class="template-ping">@[[:User:Idavidmiller|Idavidmiller]]:</span> I temporarily granted you confirmed user access so that the filter should not prevent you. It's in effect until Thursday, 10:14 AM CDT/15:14 UTC. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:16, 21 April 2026 (UTC) == Usp4pg == ;Username : [[:b:User:Usp4pg|Usp4pg]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:Usp4pg|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/Usp4pg|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/Usp4pg|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:Usp4pg}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:Usp4pg}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=Usp4pg}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Lentis/AI: More Human Than You Think]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Lentis%2FAI%3A+More+Human+Than+You+Think}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Lentis%2FAI%3A+More+Human+Than+You+Think&wpSearchUser=Usp4pg}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : It is saying the edits I am making are unconstructive even though I added actual content to prevent it from falsely deleting the page. It will not allow me to publish changes. This is for a class project, and I am just starting to get the skeleton done. ;Date and time : 14:56, 21 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : {{EFFP|done}} <span class="template-ping">@[[:User:Usp4pg|Usp4pg]]:</span> I removed the tag as it was not a test page. – [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:12, 21 April 2026 (UTC) == LeventBulut == ;Username : [[:b:User:LeventBulut|LeventBulut]]<span class="noprint"> {{toolbar|separator=dot |[[:b:User talk:LeventBulut|discuss]] |[[:b:Special:Emailuser/LeventBulut|email]] |[[:b:Special:Contributions/LeventBulut|contribs]] |[{{fullurl:b:Special:Log|user={{urlencode:LeventBulut}}}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">logs</span>] |[//tools.wmflabs.org/xtools/pcount/index.php?lang{{=}}en&wiki{{=}}wikibooks&name{{=}}{{urlencode:LeventBulut}} <span style{{=}}"color:#002bb8">count</span>] }}</span> (<span class="plainlinks">[{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchUser=LeventBulut}} filter log]</span>) ;Page you were editing : [[Objective Projection: Why the Brain Never Forgets Some Stories]] <span class="plainlinks">([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Objective+Projection%3A+Why+the+Brain+Never+Forgets+Some+Stories}} filter log]) ([{{fullurl:Special:AbuseLog|wpSearchTitle=Objective+Projection%3A+Why+the+Brain+Never+Forgets+Some+Stories&wpSearchUser=LeventBulut}} user filter log])</span> ;Description : I am the author of the Objective Projection methodology. I was trying to add a legitimate educational book to Wikibooks under CC BY-SA 4.0. The filter blocked my edits twice — once for external links, once for content volume. All content is my own original work written specifically for Wikibooks. The Turkish version of the same book is already live on tr.wikibooks.org Open license declaration at leventbulut.com/acik-lisans-bildirimi-wikibooks/ ;Date and time : 06:35, 25 April 2026 (UTC) ;Comments <!-- Please leave this area blank for now, but be prepared to answer questions left by reviewing editors. Thanks! --> : [[User:LeventBulut|LeventBulut]], the filters were working as intended, but I can adjust them. However, I've temporarily given you confirmed user access until 2026-04-29. Please note that this will exclude you from some commonly-hit filters, but not all of them to be exact. Thank you. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 15:07, 26 April 2026 (UTC) 1mx1fz2b753md7b59y6osi1op16owke User:Bahtch/sandbox/bundle/wmtools 2 464353 4653531 4421355 2026-07-10T19:13:31Z Koavf 16549 4653531 wikitext text/x-wiki {{warning}} {{info}} bxjtys01qdqkzkhc81ko80m8plzt16w User:Immanuelle/sandbox/History of Shinto Shrines in Hokkaido 2 468279 4653530 4418323 2026-07-10T19:13:22Z Koavf 16549 4653530 wikitext text/x-wiki <!-- {{afc comment |Due to technical issues, I cannot easily link the source article, but it should be under <nowiki>{{ill|en:draft:History of Shinto Shrines in Hokkaido|en}}</nowiki> instead of <nowiki>{{ill|simple:User:Immanuelle/History of Shinto Shrines in Hokkaido|en}}</nowiki>. In the future, fix the interlanguage link here from {{ill|en:draft:{{PAGENAME}}|en}} to {{ill|en:draft:History of Shinto Shrines in Hokkaido|en}} accordingly. Do not fix the following ill {{ill|fr:User:{{PAGENAME}}|en}}{{ill|User:Immanuelle|'''Immanuel'''le|en}} ❤️💚💙 {{ill|User_talk:Immanuelle|(please tag me)|en}} 03:39, 29 April 2024 (UTC)}} --> [[File:Hokkaido_Jingu.JPG|thumb|{{ill|Hokkaidō Shrine|en||simple|User:Immanuelle/Hokkaidō Shrine}}]] This article provides an overview of {{ill|Hokkaidō|Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hokkaidō}} 's {{ill|Shinto shrine|lt=Shinto shrines|shrines|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinto shrine}} and shrine administration, mainly from a historical perspective. Like the {{ill|History of Shinto Shrines in Okinawa|ja|沖縄県の神社の歴史|simple|user:immanuelle/History of Shinto Shrines in Okinawa}} it is relatively short compared to the {{ill|History of Shinto|8=en|10=ja|11=神道の歴史|simple|User:Immanuelle/History of Shinto}} in mainland Japan. So the establishment of shrines is much more recent than in other areas, yet it is firmly established making it a useful case study for the future {{Ill|Overseas Shinto|lt=spread of Shinto overseas|en||simple|User:Immanuelle/Overseas Shinto|ja|user:immanuelle/海外神道‎}}, unlike the more colonial shrines of the {{ill|Empire of Japan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Empire of Japan}}. Before {{ill|10=ja|11=神仏分離|Shinbutsu bunri|8=en|lt=the separation of Shinto and Buddhism|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinbutsu bunri}} in the Meiji era, {{ill|Shinto|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinto}} and {{ill|Buddhism|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Buddhism}} were {{ill|10=ja|11=神仏習合|Shinbutsu-shūgō|8=en|lt=mixed together|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinbutsu-shūgō}}, and it is not possible to clearly distinguish between {{ill|10=ja|11=寺院|Buddhist temple|lt=Buddhist temples|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Buddhist temple}} and shrines among the older temples and shrines. For example, many of the shrines now called {{ill|10=ja|11=厳島神社_(曖昧さ回避)|Itsukushima Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Itsukushima Shrine}} were originally called Buddhist {{ill|Benzaiten|Bentendo|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Bentendo}} or Bentensha. The {{ill|10=ja|11=鰐口|Waniguchi|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Waniguchi}} or bell of Wakizawayama Shrine, which will be described later, is engraved with an inscription referring to {{ill|10=ja|11=浄土教|Pure Land Buddhism|8=en|lt=Pure Land Buddhism|simple|User:Immanuelle/Pure Land Buddhism}}. Here, shrines are those that existed after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, and those that existed before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism are also referred to as "shrines." It culminated in the development of the modern {{ill|History of Shinto shrines in Hokkaido|lt=Hokkaido Shrine Association|ja|北海道の神社の歴史|simple|User:Immanuelle/History of Shinto shrines in Hokkaido}} separate from the {{ill|Association of Shinto Shrines|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Association of Shinto Shrines}}. == Hokkaido, Matsumae and Ezo == From the Sengoku {{ill|Sengoku period|period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Sengoku period}} through to {{ill|Edo period|the Edo period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Edo period}}, a territory ruled by Japanese people ( the {{ill|10=ja|11=松前藩|Matsumae Domain|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Matsumae Domain}} ) was established in southern Hokkaido. From a historical perspective, there is also a view that Hokkaido should be divided into " '''Matsumae-chi''' ( {{ill|10=ja|11=和人地|Wajin-chi|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Wajin-chi}}, Kuchi-Ezo, Kyu-kaichi)" and " '''Ezo-chi''' (Oku-Ezo, Shin-kaichi)" <ref>『北海道神宮史』p5-6</ref> . Although this way of dividing Hokkaido into regions is not widely accepted, it is useful for getting an overview of Hokkaido's history. <ref group="注釈">Since 1799 (Kansei 11), in response to Russia's southward expansion policy, the shogunate adopted a policy of directly governing part or all of Hokkaidō. The areas under direct control frequently changed, and the domain of the Matsumae clan was significantly relocated each time. Therefore, if "Matsumae territory" is used strictly to mean the area controlled by the Matsumae clan, its extent would need to be significantly altered every few years or decades. There were periods when it was relocated to the Tōhoku region, and there were times when it held territories in the Kantō region. Additionally, from the perspective of the Ritsuryō system of provinces, there was a time when Matsumae territory (southern Hokkaidō) was treated as part of Mutsu Province. The influence of the Matsumae clan also changed over time, sometimes extending to regions such as Iburi and Shiribeshi. In this article, regardless of these historical changes, the term "Matsumae territory" or "Southern Hokkaidō" will refer to the area of Hokkaidō that was under the influence of the Matsumae clan, roughly corresponding to the southern part of Hokkaidō and almost the entire Oshima Peninsula. See also Oshima Province and related articles.</ref> Because the area controlled by the Matsumae clan changed significantly over time, care must be taken to determine exactly what is meant by "Matsumae territory," but here "Matsumae territory" generally refers to the Wajin area in southern Hokkaido, and the rest of the area is referred to in the narrow sense as "Ezo territory." Hokkaido's cool climate makes it unsuitable for rice cultivation, so the Matsumae clan based its fiefdom mainly on income from seafood instead of the rice-based kokudaka system. This was done through trade with {{ill|Ainu people|the Ainu|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ainu people}}, and trading posts called "basho" were established along the coast of Hokkaido. In the mid-Edo period, the system of monopolizing trade areas was institutionalized, whereby merchants could monopolize a {{ill|10=ja|11=場所請負制|certain location|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Location contracting system}} to conduct trade. Through these efforts, Japanese settlements began to appear in Ezo (in the narrow sense), and shrines were established in various places. In the latter half of the Edo period, the shogunate attempted to take {{ill|10=ja|11=天領|Tenryō|12=de|lt=direct control of Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Tenryō}} in response to {{ill|Russian Empire|Russia|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Russian Empire}} 's {{ill|10=ja|11=南下政策|Territorial evolution of Russia|lt=southward expansion policy|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Territorial evolution of Russia}} . For this reason, the boundaries of the Matsumae Domain's territories, the Shogunate's territories, and Ezo (in the narrow sense) were frequently changed in the 19th century. During this period, samurai groups were dispatched to various parts of Hokkaido to guard Ezo, and they founded shrines. During the Meiji period, pioneers began to settle in various parts of Hokkaido and built shrines. In time, these shrines were systematized from the perspective of State Shinto. == The early shrine == === overview === It is believed that shrines were established by the Wajin in {{ill|10=ja|11=道南|southern Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Southern Hokkaido}} (formerly Wajin territory, formerly Kaichi) at the latest in the Middle Ages. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌">『北海道神社庁誌』p3-4</ref> <ref>『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p9、p13</ref> Many of these shrines were concentrated in fishing bases in southern Hokkaido, and were {{ill|10=ja|11=神仏習合|Shinbutsu-shūgō|lt=a mixture|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinbutsu-shūgō}} of {{ill|Shinto|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinto}} and {{ill|Vajrayana|esoteric Buddhism|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Vajrayana}}, with {{ill|mountain worship|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Mountain worship}} and cape worship taking center stage. <ref>『北海道神社庁誌』p4-5</ref> These shrines had their own unique culture, symbolized by '''the Matsumae Kagura dance''', which distinguished them from the new shrines that were built during the later Hokkaido development period. <ref>『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p14</ref> === The early days === [[File:Ubagami_Shrine_090206.jpg|thumb|300x300px| Ubagami Daijingu Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Hokkaido]] It is not clear when the Japanese first arrived in Ezo, but there are many ancient shrines along the southern coast of Hokkaido whose founding dates are unknown. One older theory is that remnants of {{ill|10=ja|11=奥州藤原氏|Northern Fujiwara|lt=the Northern Fujiwara clan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Northern Fujiwara}} traveled to Oshima during {{ill|Heian period|the Heian period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Heian period}} and established a shrine there <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p18</ref>, but it is now widely believed that the shrine was built during {{ill|Kamakura period|the Kamakura period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kamakura period}} or at the latest {{ill|Muromachi period|the Muromachi period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Muromachi period}} <ref>『北海道宗教大鑑』「北海道神社小史」p6</ref> . Below is a list of what are believed to be the oldest shrines in Hokkaido. * Ohi Shrine (Ooi) Former Dainichi Hall <ref>『北海道縁起物語』p91-92</ref> . A shrine located in {{ill|10=ja|11=北斗市|Hokuto, Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hokuto, Hokkaido}} in southern Hokkaido. It is known as the site of a fierce battle during the Battle of Hakodate. It has {{ill|10=ja|11=鰐口|Waniguchi|lt=a bell|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Waniguchi}} with the inscription " {{ill|Kōhei|Kohei|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kōhei}} Sansai (1060)" from the Heian period. There is a record that it was rebuilt in {{ill|Meireki|1656|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Meireki}}, but the exact date of its construction is unknown. If it was founded in 1060, it would be the oldest shrine in Hokkaido. <ref name="蝦夷地の神社の歴史">『蝦夷地の神社の歴史』p1</ref> <ref name="北海道神社庁誌">『北海道神社庁誌』p3-4</ref> However, some believe that this bell was made later, as its shape matches those of the late Edo period. <ref>{{Cite journal|last=大沼忠春|year=2006|title=沙流郡「波恵村」出土の天和三年銘鰐口について|url=https://hdl.handle.net/2115/32886|journal=北大植物園研究紀要|publisher=北海道大学北方生物圏フィールド科学センター植物園|volume=6|pages=25-36|issn=1347-1333|和書}}</ref> * Funatama Shrine: A shrine located in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. The {{ill|Hōen|Ezo|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hōen}} Jichi Kenkoroku, a book written by {{ill|10=ja|11=市川十郎|Ichikawa Jūrō,|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ichikawa Jūrō}} a Shogunate official who explored Ezo during the late Edo period, reports that the temple was founded in 1135. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌" /> <ref>『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p365</ref> <ref name="蝦夷地の神社の歴史" /> * {{ill|10=ja|11=刈田神社_(登別市)|Katta Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Katta Shrine}} in {{ill|10=ja|11=登別市|Noboribetsu|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Noboribetsu}}, central Hokkaido. <ref>[https://kattajinja.jimdo.com/%E5%88%88%E7%94%B0%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AF/ 刈田神社とは] 刈田神社公式ホームページ</ref> * {{ill|10=ja|11=姥神大神宮|Ubagami Daijingū|lt=Ubagami Daijingu Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ubagami Daijingu Shrine}} is a shrine in {{ill|Esashi, Hokkaido (Hiyama)|lt=Esashi|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Esashi, Hokkaido (Hiyama)}}, southern {{ill|10=ja|11=江差町|Hokkaidō|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hokkaido}} . According to the shrine's history, it was founded in 1216. There is a theory that it is of Ainu origin <ref>『北海道宗教大鑑』「北海道開拓と宗教」p1</ref>, in which case, although its age is unknown, it would be the oldest shrine in Ezo. <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p27-28</ref> * Wakumoto Shrine: A shrine in {{ill|10=ja|11=知内町|Shiriuchi, Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shiriuchi, Hokkaido}}, Oshima, southern Hokkaido. It is said to have been in 1239. {{ill|10=ja|11=砂金|Gold dust|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Gold dust}} can be found in the nearby {{ill|10=ja|11=知内川|Shiriuchi River|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shiriuchi River}}.<ref name="蝦夷地の神社の歴史-2">『蝦夷地の神社の歴史』p3</ref> * Raiko Shrine: A shrine located in Shiriuchi, Hokkaido, Oshima, southern Hokkaido. It is said to have been founded in {{ill|Kangen|1244|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kangen}} . The Toei Dochūki written by {{ill|10=ja|11=最上徳内|Mogami Tokunai|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Mogami Tokunai}} states that there was a {{ill|Waniguchi|lt=bell|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Waniguchi}} with an inscription dating from 1405. It is believed to be the oldest shrine in Hokkaido. <ref name="北海道拓殖と神社-2">『北海道拓殖と神社』p18</ref> Although it is not a shrine, there is also Onsen Yakushido in Chiuchi Town, which has a crocodile bell from the same year. * Wakizawayama Shrine: A shrine located in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. It has a bell with the inscription dated {{ill|Eikyō|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Eikyō}} 11 (1439 or 1440). The village history of the former Ishizaki village states that it was founded in 1429. Wakizawayama Shrine fell into disuse during the {{ill|Kansei|the Kansei|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kansei}} era (late 18th century), but in {{ill|Bunka|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Bunka}} 10 (1813 or 1814), the bell was discovered buried underground and donated to (Ishizaki) Hachiman Shrine in {{ill|10=ja|11=湯川町|Kameo village|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kameo village}}, where it was displayed in front of the shrine. <ref name="蝦夷地の神社の歴史-2" /> During {{ill|Emperor Meiji|lt=Emperor Meiji's|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Emperor Meiji}} {{ill|10=ja|11=行幸|pilgrimage|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Pilgrimage}} in 1876, it was displayed as the oldest crocodile bell in Hokkaido. It is considered conclusive evidence that shrines existed in Ezo at least as early as the mid-15th century. <ref>『北海道宗教大鑑』「北海道神社小史」p6</ref> <ref name="北海道拓殖と神社-2" /> It is currently owned by the Hakodate Museum as a cultural property designated by Hokkaido. ( [https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/179663 Agency for Cultural Affairs/Cultural Heritage Online] ) * Sunatate Shrine: A shrine in {{ill|10=ja|11=上ノ国町|Kaminokuni, Hokkaido|lt=Kaminokuni Town|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kaminokuni Town}}, Hiyama, southern Hokkaido. In the summer of 1462, {{ill|Kanshō|Takeda|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kanshō}} {{ill|10=ja|11=武田信広|Takeda Nobuhiro|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Takeda Nobuhiro}} built a {{ill|Vaishravana|Bishamon-|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Vaishravana|lt=Bishamon-do}} Hall in his castle, and renamed it Sunatate Shrine during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji era. <ref>『蝦夷地の神社の歴史』p6</ref> It is mentioned in historical documents from the early modern period, such as " {{ill|10=ja|11=寛永諸家系図伝|Kan'ei Shoka Keizuden|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kan'ei Shoka Keizuden}} " and " {{ill|10=ja|11=新羅之記録|Shinra no Kiroku|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinra no Kiroku}} ." * Kaminokuni Hachiman Shrine: A shrine in Kaminokuni Town. In 1473, {{ill|Takeda Nobuhiro|en}}, the founder of the Matsumae clan, established the shrine as a guardian deity at {{ill|10=ja|11=勝山館|Katsuyama Date|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Katsuyama Date}} (now the site of Katsuyama Date, a nationally designated historic site), and named it Tategami (Tategami Hachiman Shrine). It is one of the Kaminokuni Sansha (along with Iozan Shrine and Sunatate Shrine, known as the Kaminokuni Sansha) <ref>。[https://hokkaidojinjacho.jp/%e4%b8%8a%e3%83%8e%e5%9c%8b%e5%85%ab%e5%b9%a1%e5%ae%ae/ 北海道神社庁]</ref> The {{ill|Genroku|main|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Genroku}} hall was built in 1699 and is one of the oldest shrine buildings still standing in Hokkaido <ref>[http://www.town.kaminokuni.lg.jp/hotnews/detail/00000386.html 上ノ国町ホームページ]</ref> . * Yaburai Tenmangu Shrine: A shrine in Hokuto City. The shrine is located on the site of {{ill|10=ja|11=茂別館跡|Shige Bekkan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shige Bekkan}}, one of the {{ill|10=ja|11=道南十二館|Twelve Garrisons of Southern Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Twelve castles in southern Hokkaido}} . It is said to have been built by {{ill|10=ja|11=安藤盛季|Andō Morisue|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Andō Morisue}}, who was defeated by {{ill|10=ja|11=南部氏|Nanbu clan|lt=the Nanbu clan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Nanbu clan}} in 1443. There are many legends, including that it began as a shrine to the statue of {{ill|Sugawara no Michizane|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Sugawara no Michizane}}, the deity who washed up on the Yabuki Coast in the 15th century. * {{ill|Ōta Shrine (Setana)|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Ōta Shrine (Setana)|lt=Ōta Shrine}}: It is said to have been founded during the Kakitsu era (1441-1443). One of the five great sacred sites in southern Hokkaido. Its buildings are scattered over the steep mountainside overlooking the {{ill|Sea of Japan|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Sea of Japan}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ōta Jinja|url=http://www.town.setana.lg.jp/modules/tinycontents/index.php?id=35|publisher={{ill|Setana, Hokkaidō|Setana Town|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Setana, Hokkaidō}}|accessdate=22 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ōta Jinja|url=http://www.town.setana.lg.jp/modules/tinycontents/index.php?id=34|publisher={{ill|Setana, Hokkaidō|Setana Town|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Setana, Hokkaidō}}|accessdate=22 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ōta Jinja|url=http://www.hiyama.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/srk/html/parts/05ootasan_jinja.htm|publisher={{ill|Hiyama Subprefecture|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Hiyama Subprefecture}}|accessdate=22 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ōta Jinja|url=http://www.hokkaidojinjacho.jp/data/03/03035.html|publisher=Hokkaidō Jinja-chō|accessdate=22 April 2011}}</ref> * {{ill|10=ja|11=山上大神宮|Yamanoue Daijingū shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Yamanoue Daijingū shrine}} is a shrine located in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. It began during {{ill|Ōan|the Oan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ōan}} era (1368-1375) when a mountain ascetic named Fujibo enshrined a branch of the Ise Grand Shrine in Kameda Akagawa Village, which is now on the outskirts of Hakodate City. * {{ill|10=ja|11=亀田八幡宮|Kameda Hachiman Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kameda Hachiman Shrine}}: A shrine located in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido . It is said that in 1390, {{ill|Meitoku|Kono|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Meitoku}} Kaga no Kami Moriyuki enshrined the Hachiman deity from {{ill|10=ja|11=氣比神宮|Kehi Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kehi Shrine}}, but there are various theories about the founding year, and it may have been built at the end of the Muromachi period. * {{ill|10=ja|11=函館八幡宮|Hakodate Hachiman Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hakodate Hachiman Shrine}}: A shrine located in Hakodate, in southern Hokkaido. It is said that it began in {{ill|Bun'an|1445|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Bun'an}}, when {{ill|10=ja|11=河野政通|Kono Masamichi|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kono Masamichi}}, the lord of Kameda County, built a castle in Motomachi, Hakodate, and enshrined Hachiman as the guardian deity of the castle in the southeastern corner of the castle grounds. It is a {{ill|Sōja shrine|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Soja shrine}} that consolidates the kami of all other Hokkaido Shrines. * Ishizaki Hachiman Shrine: A shrine located in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. The date of construction is unknown. It is said that the village began during {{ill|Eikyō|the Eikyō|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Eikyō}} era (1429-1441) when the village's founder, Taira no Moriami, had deep reverence for the deity enshrined at Hachiman Shrine and performed the rituals there. * Sumiyoshi Shrine: A shrine located in Hakodate, southern Hokkaido. The date of its founding is unknown, but oral tradition holds that it was during the Kamakura period. It was rebuilt during {{ill|An'ei|the An'ei|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/An'ei}} era. * Tsukizaki Shrine: A shrine in {{ill|10=ja|11=福島町|Fukushima Town|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Fukushima Town}}. The date of construction is unknown. There is a record that it was rebuilt in {{ill|Meiō|1492|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Meiō}}. * {{ill|10=ja|11=徳山大神宮|Tokuyama Daijingu|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Tokuyama Daijingu}}: Shrine in {{ill|10=ja|11=松前町_(北海道)|Matsumae Town|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Matsumae Town}}. The date of construction is unknown. In {{ill|1582|1582|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Tenshō (Momoyama period)}}, the feudal lord {{ill|10=ja|11=蠣崎季広|Kakizaki Tokihiro|lt=, Kakizaki Tokihiro,|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kakizaki Tokihiro}} moved the shrine to Kuramachi and changed its name from Ise-do to Shinmei-sha. == Origins of the shrines (before the Meiji period) == ==== Yakata Shrine and Hachiman Shrine ==== [[File:Yoshitune-jinja_biratori.jpg|thumb|300x300px| {{ill|10=ja|11=義経神社|Yoshitsune Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Yoshitsune Shrine}}, built in {{ill|10=ja|11=平取町|Biratori, Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Biratori}} {{ill|Kansei|in|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kansei}} {{ill|1798|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/1798}}, can be considered a type of Hachiman Shrine.]] In theory, Ezo was under the jurisdiction of {{ill|10=ja|11=安東氏|Ando clan|lt=the Ando clan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ando clan}}, but in reality, various powerful clans had settled there and built castles (fortresses) there. They built a shrine in the mansion and called it '''the mansion god'''(館神, Tategami) . At the castle, the war god {{ill|Hachiman|god Hachiman Daibosatsu, Hachiman-no-kami,|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hachiman}} is enshrined. There are many such shrines in southern Hokkaido. <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p23</ref> <ref>『北海道神社誌』p179</ref> From the middle of the Edo period, Russian involvement in Ezo became a concern for the shogunate. The shogunate established {{ill|10=ja|11=遠国奉行|Ongoku-bugyō|8=en|lt=the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, designated part of Ezo|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hakodate Magistrate's Office}} as {{ill|10=ja|11=天領|Tenryō|lt=directly controlled territory|8=en|lt=Kogi Goryo (territory directly controlled by the shogunate)|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kogi Goryo|de|lt=directly controlled territory}}, and ordered the various feudal domains in the Tohoku region to guard the area. Thus, the shrines built by the guard samurai who arrived in various remote areas of Hokkaido enshrined Hachiman as a war god, and later became Hachiman Shrines. ==== Shrine dedicated to Sea gods ==== Among the Japanese who traveled to Ezo from early on in search of seafood, some set up {{ill|10=ja|11=番屋|Watchtower|8=en|lt=watchtowers|simple|User:Immanuelle/Watchtower}} along the coast and some even settled there. In the mid-Edo period, {{ill|10=ja|11=松前藩|Matsumae domain|8=en|lt=the Matsumae domain|simple|User:Immanuelle/Matsumae domain}} institutionalized the {{ill|10=ja|11=場所請負制|bashoukeoisei|lt=systems of place contractors|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Location contracting system}} and {{ill|10=ja|11=場所請負制|bashoukeoisei|lt=customs agents|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Location contracting system}} . Along the coast, mainly in southern Hokkaido, there are shrines dedicated to the gods of the sea and water, as well as gods and Buddhas of fishing and commerce. <ref>『北海道宗教大鑑』p2-3</ref> <ref>『蝦夷地の神社の歴史』p34</ref> <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p30-33</ref> These shrines are thought to have developed from spontaneously growing smaller shrines rather than being the result of the transfer or incorporation of a spirit from another shrine. <ref name="北海道神宮史">『北海道神宮史』p7</ref> The main ones are: {{ill|Ebisu|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ebisu|lt=Ebisu Shrines}}, {{ill|Kotohira shrines|Konpira Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kotohira shrines}}, {{ill|Benzaiten|,|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Benzaiten|lt=Benzaiten Shrines}}, {{ill|Itsukushima Shrine|lt=Itsukushima Shrines|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Itsukushima Shrines}}, and {{ill|Watatsumi|Watatsumi Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Watatsumi|lt=Watatsumi Shrines}}. ==== Inari Shrine, God of Agriculture ==== The shogunate, wary of Russia, {{ill|10=ja|11=上知令|handed over|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Edict of direct control}} part of Hokkaido to the shogunate in 1799 and began to {{ill|10=ja|11=天領|Tenryō|lt=govern it directly|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Tenryō|de}} . At this time, rice cultivation also began to be attempted in Hokkaido. This project fell into disuse due to cool weather and poor harvests, but was resumed during the {{ill|Ansei|the Ansei period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ansei}} era (1854-1859) with some success. From the mid-{{ill|Meiji period|Meiji|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Meiji period}} period onwards, rice cultivation was successful in the Ishikari and Iburi regions as well. Furthermore, there was immigration from the Kansei and {{ill|Bunka|Bunka eras|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Bunka}} (late 18th century to early 19th century), with a particular increase in immigrants fleeing {{ill|10=ja|11=天保の大飢饉|Tenpō famine|8=en|lt=the great famine in the Tohoku region|simple|User:Immanuelle/Great Tenpō famine}} during {{ill|Tenpō|the Tenpo period|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Tenpō}} (1830-1844). Inari shrines were built by these agricultural immigrants, and many were built throughout southern and central Hokkaido. === Statistics === {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Number of shrines in the first year of the Meiji era ! data-sort-type="text" |Region ! data-sort-type="number" |Number of Villages ! data-sort-type="number" !style="background-color:#ceffce" |Inari Shrines ! data-sort-type="number" !style="background-color:#ced1ff" |Itsukushima Shrines ! data-sort-type="number" !style="background-color:#ced1ff" |Benten Shrines ! data-sort-type="number" !style="background-color:#ced1ff" |Konpira Shrines ! data-sort-type="number" !style="background-color:#ffcece" |Hachiman Shrines ! data-sort-type="number" |Ebisu Shrines !Yamagami Shrines |- |{{ill|Shiribeshi Subprefecture|10=en|ja|後志}} |101 | style="background-color:#ceffce" |52 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |5 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |4 | style="background-color:#ffcece" | - | - | - |- |{{ill|Ishikari Subprefecture|10=en|ja|石狩}} |100 | style="background-color:#ceffce" |7 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |7 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |3 | style="background-color:#ffcece" |3 | - | - |- |{{ill|Hidaka Subprefecture|10=en|ja|日高}} |79 | style="background-color:#ceffce" |12 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |1 | style="background-color:#ffcece" | - |1 | - |- |{{ill|Iburi Subprefecture|10=en|ja|胆振}} |44 | style="background-color:#ceffce" |3 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |1 | style="background-color:#ffcece" |2 | - |2 |- |{{ill|Teshio Subprefecture|10=en|ja|天塩}} |46 | style="background-color:#ceffce" |2 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |7 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |9 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ffcece" | - | - | - |- |{{ill|Tokachi Subprefecture|10=en|ja|十勝}} |51 | style="background-color:#ceffce" |1 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |1 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ffcece" | - | - | - |- |{{ill|Kushiro Subprefecture|10=en|ja|釧路}} |36 | style="background-color:#ceffce" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |4 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ffcece" | - | - | - |- |{{ill|Nemuro Subprefecture|10=en|ja|根室}} |25 | style="background-color:#ceffce" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" | - | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |1 | style="background-color:#ced1ff" |1 | style="background-color:#ffcece" | - | - | - |- | colspan="9" | * Oshima (Matsumae area) is excluded. From this table, it can be observed that after rice cultivation began, Inari shrines are concentrated in the regions of Shiribeshi, Ishikari, Hidaka, and Iburi. In the northern region (Teshio) and eastern regions (Tokachi, Kushiro, Nemuro), there are many Itsukushima shrines, Benten shrines, and Konpira shrines dedicated to sea and water deities. |} === Matsumae Domain === The {{ill|10=ja|11=松前藩|Matsumae Domain|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Matsumae Domain}} was established in southern Hokkaido by {{ill|10=ja|11=蠣崎氏|the Kakizaki clan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kakizaki clan}}, who rose to prominence among the powerful clans. Founded by {{ill|Kakizaki Tokihiro|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kakizaki Tokihiro}} in {{ill|1582|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/1582}}, {{ill|Shinmei shrines|lt=the Shinmei Shrine||8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinmei shrines}} was merged with many smaller shrines in the surrounding area to become {{ill|10=ja|11=徳山大神宮|Tokuyama Daijingu|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Tokuyama Daijingu}} during the Meiji period. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-2">『北海道神社庁誌』p7</ref> The Matsumae domain established a temple and shrine magistrate office to control religion. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-2" /> During the Edo period, {{ill|Japanese people|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Japanese people}} began to enter various parts {{ill|Ezo|of Ezo|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ezo}} through the Matsumae domain, and even excluding the area around Matsumae castle, there were 140 shrines and temples in Ezo. <ref>{{ill|享保|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kyōhō}}3年({{ill|1718年|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/1718}})在郷堂舎調べ。『北海道宗教大鑑』p2-3</ref> {{efn|<div style="font-size:75%">*The term "shrines" mentioned here includes those that are currently considered shrines and those that are not. The former includes Hachiman Shrine, Ebisu Hall, and Inari Shrine. The latter includes the Kannon Hall, Jizo Hall, Yakushi Hall, etc. It is difficult to clearly distinguish between these. For example, the Yakushido Hall that was located in Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate is now {{ill|10=ja|11=湯倉神社|Yukura Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Yukura Shrine}} .</div>}} ==== Institutionalization of the Shinto Priesthood and the Shiratori Clan ==== In the Matsumae region, ascetic monks and other practitioners have been living since the Middle Ages, and the priesthood has been passed down hereditarily. <ref name="北海道神宮史-2">『北海道神宮史』p6</ref> At {{ill|10=ja|11=松前城|Fukuyama Castle|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Fukuyama Castle}}, a Shinmei Shrine (later known as Matsumae Hachiman Shrine) was built to protect the castle, and its chief priests took the name " '''Shiratori''' " for generations. <ref name="北海道神宮史-2" /> The Shiratori family was appointed as the head shrine priest of the Matsumae domain, and through the {{Interlanguage link|Urabe clan|lt=Yoshida family|ja|吉田家|en|draft:Yoshida family|simple|User:Immanuelle/Yoshida family|fr|Clan Urabe}}, who were the Shinto priests, they obtained an official position in the Imperial Court and became the head of the Shinto priests in the Matsumae region. <ref>『北海道神宮史』p6-7</ref> There are few surviving historical documents related to the Shiratori family, but the Shiratori Family Diary, written by successive chief priests, describes events from 1788 to 1862. <ref>『伊勢神宮と北海道』「松前神明社と白鳥家」p71</ref> The most influential shrines in the Matsumae castle town, including Shinmei Shrine, were collectively known as the "Seven Matsumae Shrines." The Seven Matsumae Shrines are also depicted in the Matsumae Esashi Screen, which was painted during the Horeki era. <ref>『伊勢神宮と北海道』p62</ref> In Matsumae, under the leadership of the Shiratori clan, priests and rituals were organized, and a system of rituals, represented by Matsumae Kagura, was institutionalized. On the other hand, shrines to sea and water gods that appeared "spontaneously <ref name="北海道神宮史">『北海道神宮史』p7</ref> " in various parts of Ezo were outside of this system. <ref name="北海道神宮史" /> ==== Matsumae Kagura ==== '''{{ill|10=en|11=松前神楽|Matsumae Kagura|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Matsumae Kagura}}''' is a kind of {{Ill|Kagura|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Kagura}} dance done in southern Hokkaido. It is customarily performed at the end of rituals at shrines in southern Hokkaido <ref name="北海道拓殖と神社">『北海道拓殖と神社』p89-90</ref> and is essential for the priests of Matsumae. It has more of a religious ritual character than a dengaku dance. <ref name="北海道拓殖と神社" /> Its origin is unclear, but according to legend it was first performed in {{ill|1662|it|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/1662}} during the {{ill|Kanbun (era)|lt=kanbun era|1662.|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kanbun (era)}} {{Efn|地元の{{ill|福島町|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Fukushima Town}}の『福島町史』では寛文2年(1662年)起源説に疑いがあることを述べている。また、記録ではこれより早い寛永2年(1625年)に松前八幡宮が勧請された際に神楽が奏されたとあるが、これが松前神楽であるかは判然としない<ref>『蝦夷地の神社の歴史』p21-22、p33</ref>。}} It was protected by {{ill|Enpō|successive|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Enpō}} feudal lords of the Matsumae domain, and in {{ill|1681|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/1681}} the Matsumae domain created a set of rules for the great religious rites. <ref name="北海道拓殖と神社" /> In the Hiyama region it was also called "Esashi Kagura" and in the Shiribeshi region it was called "Oshima Kagura," but today it is generally referred to as "Matsumae Kagura" <ref>『北海道神社誌』p173</ref> . It has been designated as {{ill|10=ja|11=北海道指定文化財一覧|an intangible cultural property of Hokkaido|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/北海道指定文化財一覧}} . == Meiji Period == [[File:Shima_Yoshitake_up.gif|thumb|175x175px| Yoshitake Shima, founder of Sapporo Shrine]] [[File:Sapporojinja-houheisinyuudai.jpg|thumb|300x300px| Procession of envoys entering Sapporo Shrine]] When {{ill|Meiji period|Higashikuze|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Meiji period}} {{ill|10=ja|11=東久世通禧|Higashikuze Michitomi|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Higashikuze Michitomi}}, who was appointed as {{ill|10=ja|11=北海道知事一覧|50=List of governors of Hokkaido Prefecture|List of governors of Hokkaido Prefecture|lt=the Director General of Hokkaido Development|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/List of governors of Hokkaido Prefecture}} in September {{ill|1869|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/1869}}, traveled to Hokkaido, {{ill|Emperor Meiji|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Emperor Meiji}} ordered {{ill|Kunitama|the deities Okunitama|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Kunitama}}, {{ill|Ōkuninushi|Okuninushi|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Ōkuninushi}}, and {{ill|Sukunabikona|Sukunahikona|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Sukunabikona}} to be enshrined there as '''{{ill|10=ja|11=開拓三神|Kunitama|8=en|lt=the three gods of development|simple|User:Immanuelle/開拓三神}}''' . A Hokkaido shrine ceremony was held, and a three-sided {{ill|shinto mirror|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shinto mirror|en|Mirrors in Shinto|fr|Miroirs_dans_le_shintoïsme}} was entrusted to Higashikuze Michiyoshi by {{ill|10=ja|11=太政官_(明治時代)|Daijō-kan|lt=the Daijokan|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/太政官_(明治時代)}} . It was {{ill|10=ja|11=島義勇|Shima Yoshitake|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Shima Yoshitake}} who was actually appointed to Sapporo as Higashikuze Michitomi's representative, and it was Shima who came up with the plan to establish Kaitaku Shinchosaisha (present-day Hokkaido Shrine). Although Shima was soon dismissed, the construction of the new shrine proceeded largely according to Shima's plan, and the shrine was renamed '''{{ill|10=ja|11=北海道神宮|Hokkaidō Shrine|lt=Sapporo Shrine|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hokkaidō Shrine}}''' and {{ill|10=ja|11=遷宮|Sengū|lt=relocated|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Sengū}} in 1871. The Hokkaido Development Commission announced that June 15th would be the annual festival day, and that all residents of Hokkaido were to take time off work on that day to visit and pay homage to the shrine. (For details, see '''{{ill|10=ja|11=北海道神宮|Hokkaidō Shrine#History|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Hokkaidō Shrine#History}}''' .) In 1873, Sapporo Shrine was elevated to the rank of {{ill|Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines|lt=a government-sponsored minor shrine||8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines}} and a branch of the {{ill|Office of Japanese Classics Research|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Office of Japanese Classics Research}} was established there, making it the {{ill|State Shinto|administrative center of shrines|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/State Shinto}} in Hokkaido. This is the first shrine in Hokkaido to be dedicated to the national anthem. Shrines before this time were established by samurai and local residents for their own religious beliefs, and in this respect they are distinguished. The founding of Sapporo Shrine in the new Hokkaido region later served as a model for overseas shrines in Taiwan, Sakhalin, and the Korean Peninsula. <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p37,p104</ref> === Origins of the shrines (Meiji period) === ==== Settler Shrines ==== During the Meiji period, settlement in various parts of Hokkaido was encouraged, and group settlements of several dozen households, sometimes exceeding a hundred, were actively undertaken from villages all over the country. Many of them built shrines in their hometowns to worship their ancestral spirits and local deities in the places they immigrated to. * {{ill|10=ja|11=江別神社|Ebetsu shrine|4=fr|5=Ebetsu-jinja|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Ebetsu shrine}} ({{ill|10=ja|11=江別市|Ebetsu|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Ebetsu}}) - Settlers from {{ill|Kumamoto Prefecture|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Kumamoto Prefecture}} enshrined {{ill|10=ja|11=加藤清正|Katō Kiyomasa|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Katō Kiyomasa}} . * {{ill|10=ja|11=弥彦神社_(札幌市)|Iyahiko Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Iyahiko Shrine}} ( {{ill|Sapporo|Sapporo City|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Sapporo City}} ) - Settlers from [[Niigata Prefecture]] enshrined a branch of {{ill|10=ja|11=彌彦神社|Yahiko Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Yahiko Shrine}} . * Maeda Shrine ( {{ill|10=ja|11=共和町|Kyōwa, Hokkaido|lt=Kyōwa|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Kyōwa, Hokkaido}} ) - Former Kaga samurai who settled here enshrined {{ill|10=ja|11=前田利家|Maeda Toshiie|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Maeda Toshiie}} . ==== God of the Mines ==== Gold dust mining has been carried out in Hokkaido since the Middle Ages, and when development began, mines were established in various places. In particular, countless coal mines were developed in the Sorachi region, and shrines were established to worship {{ill|Ōyamatsumi|Oyamazumi-no-Kami|lt=Ōyamatsumi|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Oyamazumi-no-Kami}} as the god of these coal mines. Horonai Shrine, founded in 1880, is considered to be the first of these. <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p51-52</ref> ==== Shinmei and the Three Deities of Development ==== In areas where people from different hometowns gathered together, or when shrines were merged due to the shrine reforms described below, the Shinto god Amaterasu came to be worshiped as the goddess that oversaw all the deities. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-3">『北海道神社庁誌』p21</ref> When Sapporo Shrine began to worship the Three Deities of Development, other shrines seeking new official recognition followed suit and began to worship the Three Deities of Development as their new chief deities. Generally, it was forbidden to send a branch of a deity from a government-sponsored shrine, but in the case of Sapporo Shrine alone, a branch was permitted as a "special deity," and the three pioneering gods came to be enshrined in the newly developed area. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-3" /> === Hokkaido Shrine Reform === When {{ill|Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines|the shrine ranking system|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines}} was established in 1871, Hokkaido also began investigating shrines within the prefecture in accordance with this system, and separated Shinto and Buddhism, and carried out consolidation and abolition. This is called '''the Hokkaido Shrine Reform''' . <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-4">『北海道神社庁誌』p19</ref> At the time, most of Hokkaido was undeveloped, and the shrine reform was mainly carried out in the southern part of the island. In 1875, the Shrine Reform Act began, which led to the official recognition of shrines and determined the status of {{ill|Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines|lt=village shrines|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines}} and {{ill|Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines|lt=local shrines|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines}} . The number of shrines in Hokkaido was distributed with 370 shrines in Hakodate Prefecture, 150 shrines in Sapporo Prefecture, and 32 shrines in Nemuro Prefecture. This meant that two-thirds of all the shrines in Hokkaido were concentrated in southern Hokkaido. However, out of the 370 shrines in Hakodate Prefecture, 203 were unofficial "miscellaneous shrines," whereas Sapporo Prefecture had 36 unofficial shrines out of its 150. Many of these small shrines in southern Hokkaido were significantly reduced later through consolidation. The certification of shrine status at that time generally followed the following trend: * Gosha - Major shrines built in fishing villages in the early modern period (49 shrines) * Village shrines - Central shrines built in various regions from the end of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period (231 shrines) ==== Shigemasa Kikuchi ==== A person who played a major role in the reform of Hokkaido Shrine was Kikuchi Shigetaka, who was the de facto first chief priest of Sapporo Shrine {{Efn|正式には、最初に札幌神社の宮司に任命された者は別にいるが札幌に赴任しなかった。このため明治6年8月から宮司となった菊池重賢が実質的に初代宮司として振舞った<ref>『北海道神宮史』上巻p53-55、下巻p666</ref>。}} . Kikuchi Shigetaka was originally from the {{Interlanguage link|Urabe clan|lt=Yoshida family|ja|吉田家|en|draft:Yoshida family|simple|User:Immanuelle/Yoshida family|fr|Clan Urabe}} and was adopted as the chief priest of {{ill|10=ja|11=函館八幡宮|Hakodate Hachiman Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Hakodate Hachiman Shrine}} . When Hakodate was transferred from the Matsumae Domain to the Tokugawa shogunate, Kikuchi Shigetaka began to claim that Hakodate Hachiman Shrine was the main shrine of Hakodate. During the Battle of Hakodate, he cooperated with the government forces, organized a reserve army, and achieved success. He received a medal and gained a foothold in the new government's shrine policy in Hokkaido. He also succeeded in breaking away from the old system of the Matsumae Domain and the Shiratori family. <ref>『北海道神宮史』p7-8、p53-57</ref> Kikuchi Shigetaka became a Shinto priest and a member of the Hokkaido Development Commission, and was also appointed as a priest at Sapporo Shrine. He went to Tokyo and negotiated with the Ministry of Shinto Affairs regarding the overall administration of shrines in Hokkaido, and the reform of Hokkaido shrines in the early Meiji period was carried out under Kikuchi's guidance. Among these, Hakodate Hachiman Shrine was promoted to a prefectural shrine, while many shrines in southern Hokkaido were merged or closed. <ref>『北海道神宮史』p53-57</ref> ==== Southern Hokkaido ==== In Matsumae in 1868, shrines that combined Shinto and Buddhist practices, such as Shogun Jizo and Oshima Daimyojin, were disposed of. After 1871, in southern Hokkaido, where there were many old and syncretic temples and shrines, the removal of Buddhist statues and the renaming of shrines and deities was actively carried out based on {{ill|10=ja|11=神仏分離|Shinbutsu bunri|lt=the separation of Shinto and Buddhism|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Shinbutsu bunri}} . <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-4">『北海道神社庁誌』p19</ref> However, this did not lead to the uproar of {{ill|10=ja|11=廃仏毀釈|Haibutsu Kishaku|lt=Haibutsu Kishaku|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Haibutsu Kishaku}} ) that occurred in the mainland. In Esashi, Buddhist statues at shrines were burned and small shrines with unclear origins were abandoned, but no major disturbances occurred. <ref>「北海道神社小史」p7</ref> The southern Hokkaido region, home to many ancient shrines, was the first in Hokkaido to have local shrines and village shrines designated as such. However, as the process of designating shrines across Hokkaido progressed, the consistency of the designation of shrines in the southern Hokkaido region began to become an issue, with village shrines having more parishioners than local shrines. <ref name="神道大系 神社編51北海道">『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p34</ref> As a result, in 1875, the status classification of local and village shrines under the Hakodate branch office was revised. <ref>『北海道神社史年表』p11</ref> It was decided that shrines in areas with a branch office of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, a large port, or well-maintained shrine buildings would be designated as gosha, while all other shrines would be classified as murasha. <ref>『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p33-34</ref> The status of shrines in southern Hokkaido was finally determined in October 1876. <ref name="神道大系 神社編51北海道-2">『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p33</ref> The status of Hakodate Hachiman Shrine, which had called itself the "chief guardian deity" since the Edo period and which the Hokkaido Development Commission had treated as a "venerated shrine," also needed to be reviewed <ref name="神道大系 神社編51北海道-2" /> . For the time being, it was made into a prefectural shrine, and in 1877 it was made into a national shrine. In Hokkaido, the compilation of shrine details was delayed due to geographical reasons. <ref name="神道大系 神社編51北海道-2">『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p33</ref> It was not until 1879 that a detailed list of shrines throughout the prefecture was finally completed. <ref name="神道大系 神社編51北海道">『神道大系 神社編51北海道』p34</ref> However, there were many small Mugan shrines that were not included in this list. The number of shrines continued to increase throughout Hokkaido, but in southern Hokkaido the number has decreased due to consolidation. For example, in the ten years between 1906 (Meiji 39) and 1916 (Taisho 5), the number of officially recognized shrines in the Hakodate branch office decreased from 167 to 107. During the same period, the number of companies in Hiyama Subprefecture decreased from 141 to 42. Many of these were unranked shrines or village shrines. Outside of southern Hokkaido, for example in the Sorachi region, the number of companies has actually increased from 19 to 33. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-5">『北海道神社庁誌』p22</ref> == The uniqueness of Hokkaido == Nationwide, the total number of shrines was halved between the Meiji and Showa periods, but in Hokkaido, it actually increased. === Pioneer immigrants and the proliferation of Muga Shrines === In {{ill|1885|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/1885}}, the Shrine and Temple Military Affairs Section was established within the Hokkaido Prefectural Government Office and was put in charge of shrine administration. Immigrants came to Hokkaido from all over Japan, but in many cases they settled in groups based on their place of origin. They tended to worship the local {{ill|10=ja|11=産土神|deities|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/deities}} of their hometowns in the newly developed lands, and even today in Hokkaido shrines originating from various regions can be seen all over the country. Furthermore, in areas where people from different regions settled, they established shrines to worship the {{ill|Shinmei shrines|goddess|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Shinmei shrines}} {{ill|Amaterasu|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Amaterasu}}, as well as shrines to worship the three pioneering gods, whose {{ill|10=ja|11=分霊|spirits were divided|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/spirits were divided}} from Sapporo Shrine. When people first settled in the wilderness, they built simple shrines by placing a Shinto {{ill|10=ja|11=神棚|altar|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/altar}} on the stump of a large felled tree, erecting a pole with the name of the enshrined deity inscribed on it, and setting up a simple {{ill|Torii|torii gate|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/torii gate}} . These were sometimes called "Stump Shrines" or "Pole Shrines" <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-3" /> <ref>『札幌の寺社』pxx</ref> . Such unofficial shrines were called " '''Mugajinja" (Mugan Shrines''' ). The proliferation of Mugan Shrines was completely contrary to the national policy of merging and abolishing small shrines to build a system of prestigious shrines. However, at the frontier of the settlement, it often took several days to travel to an officially recognized shrine, and settlers who worked with their entire families to settle in the area could not afford to be away for several days to make a visit. As a result, in Hokkaido, rather than reducing the number of small shrines, there was a constant stream of proposals to establish new shrines in various places. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government did not crack down much on Mugan Shrine. {{Efn|初期の記録には数えられていた多数の非公認の神社は、明治中期には統計から外されるようになった。このため「公式」には神社の総数は減少している<ref>。}} {{Efn|たとえば、公式な記録によると、北海道内の神社数は明治20年台の約500社から大正10年頃には420から430社へ減少している。しかし別の記録では大正10年頃の無願神社は約2700社におよんだ<ref>『北海道神社庁誌』p26</ref>。}} === Hokkaido Prefectural Government's Shrine Administration === In {{ill|1891|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/1891}}, the authority to officially recognize shrines was transferred from {{ill|Home Ministry|the Ministry of Home Affairs'|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Home Ministry}} {{ill|10=ja|11=神社局|Shrine Bureau|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Shrine Bureau}} to the Hokkaido Prefectural Government. Until then, permission had to be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs each time, but now Hokkaido was able to decide how to handle shrines. This was something special that was limited to Hokkaido in the whole country. <ref name="北海道神社誌">『北海道神社誌』p180-181</ref> In 1897, a new '''{{ill|Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines|category of shrines without rank|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines}}''' was established below village shrines <ref>『札幌の寺社』p55</ref> and the standards for official recognition were relaxed. For this reason, there are many temples and shrines in Hokkaido that were "officially recognized" and "founded" between the 1880s and 1897s. In 1901, the " '''Principle of one shrine per town and village''' " was established, and in the following year, in 1902, the "Regulations for Shrines and Temples" were established, laying out the standards for officially recognized shrines. ==== One shrine in each village ==== {{Main|Shrine Consolidation Policy}} The shrine located in the center of each town or village is designated as an officially recognized shrine. The other shrines were left as unofficial shrines and were to be worshiped by local priests. <ref name="北海道神社誌" /> Based on the policy of one shrine per town and village, unofficial shrines in various locations also began to appoint priests. By the end of the Meiji period, the number had increased to about 550 shrines and 100 people, and the Hokkaido Association of Shinto Priests was organized. <ref>『北海道神社誌』p181</ref> ==== Temple and shrine regulations ==== The February 1902 (Meiji 35) regulations for shrines and temples stipulated the following criteria for official recognition <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-8">『北海道神社庁誌』p23</ref> <ref>『札幌の寺社』p56</ref> : * Temple grounds - over 1000m2 * Shrine - 20 sqm or more * Permanent capital - 500 yen ** Or the actual income from the real estate owned is 75 yen or more per year * Number of believers - 100 or more parishioners or 300 or more believers These standards served as a guideline for the development of new Mugabe shrines across the country in order to make them official shrines. In {{ill|1906|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/1906}}, the government issued guidelines entitled "Regarding the Abolition and Merger of Shrines, Temples, and Buddhist Halls" <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-3">『北海道神社庁誌』p21</ref>, instructing areas without officially recognized shrines to reorganize non-recognized shrines and meet the requirements for official recognition. The maintenance of shrine grounds, shrine buildings, and property, as well as the number of parishioners and believers, were required to be at a level appropriate to the shrine's rank, and heads of households, towns, and villages were required to visit shrines in each area to check this. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-8">『北海道神社庁誌』p23</ref> As a result of these factors, the number of shrines in Hokkaido had decreased by about 30% by the early Taisho period. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-5">『北海道神社庁誌』p22</ref> However, the reductions were mostly in the southern Hokkaido region, with a decrease of 159 shrines in southern Hokkaido alone, compared to a decrease of 161 shrines in Hokkaido as a whole. (There have been new shrines added, so it's not the case that only two shrines have been lost outside of southern Hokkaido.) == Strengthening State Shinto == === The system of offerings to the gods === In 1906, the system of providing sacred offerings was introduced. This is a system whereby public funds are disbursed to shrines designated by the prefectural governor on the occasion of shrine festivals. Funds for official and national shrines came from the national treasury, while funds for prefectural and village shrines came from local governments. In Hokkaido, prefectural shrines received donations from the Hokkaido local budget, while local shrines received contributions from wards and towns and villages. In 1906, 10 yen was paid to prefectural shrines, 7 yen to township shrines, and 5 yen to village shrines. This was not automatically paid to all town and village shrines; even among those ranked as town or village shrines, some received public funds and some did not. For example, in Hokkaido in 1916, the percentage of shrines to which public funds were actually spent was prefectural shrines (100%), local shrines (60%), and village shrines (28%). In the case of Sapporo Shrine (a Kanpei Taisha shrine), the donation in 1925 was 3,283 yen. <ref>『北海道神社庁誌』p23-24</ref> === Taisho period === As the Taisho era began and development work progressed to a certain extent, it was thought that Hokkaido's unique characteristics had subsided. In response to this, shrine regulations, which previously applied to all prefectures across the country, were revised to include Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Shrine Regulations were established as detailed rules for the shrine. === Strengthening state control === In 1937, the Hokkaido Association of Shinto Priests developed into the Hokkaido Shrine Association (different from the Hokkaido Shrine Association described below). As the wartime system was further strengthened and the Dai-Nippon Shinto Association was established, the temple became its Hokkaido branch in 1942. The shrine has been used to pray for long-lasting military fortune and to promote national prestige, but in 1943, as the war situation worsened, {{ill|10=ja|11=防空壕|an air-raid shelter|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/an air-raid shelter}} was constructed within the shrine grounds. === National and Imperial Shrines === In 1945, the Hokkaido Prefectural Government established a policy to designate {{ill|10=ja|11=上川神社|Kamikawa Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Kamikawa Shrine}} (Asahikawa City), {{ill|10=ja|11=住吉神社_(小樽市)|Sumiyoshi Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Sumiyoshi Shrine}} (Otaru City), and Hachiman Shrine (Muroran City) as national shrines. However, the end of the war meant this was not possible. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-6">『北海道神社庁誌』p24</ref> === Gokoku Shrine === After the Boshin War, '''{{ill|Gokoku Shrines|lt=Shokonsha shrines|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Shokonsha shrines}}''' were built all over the country to honor those who died in war. In particular, shrines where rituals are held at government expense, such as those held by the Ministry of War, are called Kansai Shokonsha, and in Hokkaido, the Shokonsha in Hakodate, Matsumae, and Esashi are examples of this. On the other hand, shrines where rituals are held at private expense are called private shrines, and the shrines in Asahikawa and Sapporo are examples of this type. <ref>『北海道拓殖と神社』p52-53</ref> In 1939, all Shokonsha shrines across the country were renamed '''{{ill|Gokoku Shrines|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Gokoku Shrines}}''' . Generally, Gokoku shrines are funded with government funds and one shrine is set up for each prefecture, but because Hokkaido is so large, three shrines are designated as an exception. {{ill|10=ja|11=北海道護國神社|Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine}}, {{ill|10=ja|11=札幌護国神社|Sapporo Gokoku Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Sapporo Gokoku Shrine}}, and {{ill|10=ja|11=函館護国神社|Hakodate Gokoku Shrine|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Hakodate Gokoku Shrine}} were designated as Gokoku Shrines equivalent to prefectural shrines. On the other hand, Matsumae (Fukuyama) Gokoku Shrine and Esashi Gokoku Shrine, which are equivalent to village shrines, became non-designated Gokoku Shrines. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-6" /> When State Shinto was dismantled by {{ill|10=ja|11=神道指令|the Shinto Directive|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/the Shinto Directive}} of {{ill|10=ja|11=連合国軍最高司令官総司令部|Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers|8=en|lt=GHQ|simple|user:immanuelle/Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers}}, shrines throughout the country organized themselves into a new religious organization, the {{ill|Association of Shinto Shrines|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/Association of Shinto Shrines}} . The Hokkaido Shrine Association was also formed in Hokkaido. Shrines in southern Hokkaido have also organized the Hokkaido Shrine Association. == Postwar == Among the officially recognized shrines, those that do not belong to these groups are called independent shrines. In addition, most of the shrines are unofficial shrines. According to the 1999 Hokkaido Shrine Association Journal, the number of shrines in each area is as follows: * Hokkaido Shrine Association 604 shrines * Hokkaido Shrine Association 61 companies * 69 independent companies * Unofficial Shrines 1925 ** <div style="font-size:75%"> *This does not include shrines in the Kuril Islands or Sakhalin.</div> === Hokkaido Jinja-chō === In 1946, following the Shinto Directive, the Dai Nippon Shinto Association was dissolved. As a result, the traditional shrine status was abolished and each shrine was to become an individual religious organization with no hierarchy of superiority or inferiority. However, shrines concerned about the disruption of the traditional order in the Shinto world came together and founded {{ill|Association of Shinto Shrines|the Association of Shinto Shrines|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Association of Shinto Shrines}}. Most of the shrines that had previously belonged to the Dai Nippon Shinto Shrine Association participated in this event. In Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Shrine Association was initially organized by 539 shrines, and currently has approximately 600 affiliated companies, accounting for 80% of the Shinto religious corporations in Hokkaido. === Hokkaido Jinja Kyōkai === The shrines in the southern Hokkaido region, especially on Oshima Island, which were originally different in nature from the shrines in the newly developed areas established by settlers, did not join the Hokkaido Shrine Association. Records from that time gave the following reasons: <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-7">『北海道神社庁誌』p53</ref> * Even if an organization were created that covered the entire Hokkaido prefecture, it would be difficult to gather everyone together to hold a meeting. {{Efn|北海道神社庁の準備委員会でも、全道で集まるのは困難だという問題が出ていた<ref name="北海道神社庁誌-7"/>}} * It is inconvenient to contact the central government via the Sapporo branch. At the time, travel to and from Tokyo was by boat and train, and it seemed completely illogical to travel from Hakodate, at the southern tip of Hokkaido, to Sapporo, and then via Hakodate again on the way to Tokyo. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-7">『北海道神社庁誌』p53</ref> * In any case, it would be necessary to establish a branch in southern Hokkaido as well, which would require a burden on three organizations: the Association of Shinto Shrines, the Hokkaido Shinto Shrine Association, and the Southern Hokkaido Branch of the Association of Shinto Shrines. However, if the southern Hokkaido branch were to become independent, only two would be necessary. <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-7" /> {{Citation needed span|In southern Hokkaido, the tradition of Matsumae Kagura, which dates back to the Edo period, has been preserved. During Shinto rituals, it is customary for Shinto priests to perform this dance. As previously mentioned, the separation of Shinto and Buddhism and the subsequent consolidation and reorganization of shrines mainly affected those in southern Hokkaido. This regional specificity can be attributed to several unique factors.|date=2016年5月3日 (火) 05:48 (UTC)}}。 Shrines in southern Hokkaido (mainly those in the Oshima region) do not join the Hokkaido Shrine Council, but instead established their own '''organization, the Hokkaido Shrine Association''' . As of 2006, 61 shrines are members. <ref>{{ill|Agency for Cultural Affairs|en|Agency for Cultural Affairs|ja|文化庁|simple|User:Immanuelle/Agency for Cultural Affairs}} {{PDFlink|[https://www.bunka.go.jp/tokei_hakusho_shuppan/hakusho_nenjihokokusho/shukyo_nenkan/pdf/h18nenkan.pdf 宗教年鑑 平成18年版]}},p50-51 2016年5月9日閲覧。</ref> <ref name="北海道神社庁誌-7">『北海道神社庁誌』p53</ref> === Separation of Church and State === In 1964, Sapporo Shrine was renamed Hokkaido Shrine when Emperor Meiji was enshrined there. The annual festival on June 15th was held as the Sapporo Festival, but in the 1960s, there was a movement to question the donations collected from neighborhood associations in the city for the Hokkaido Shrine festival, as they were considered to be essentially compulsory. <ref>「北海道の神社と祭り―遠ざかる信仰問題―」,榎本守恵,北海道新聞,昭和42年6月2日付</ref> On the annual holiday of June 15th, public schools in Sapporo were closed or only held half-day classes as the Sapporo Festival was held. Some people objected to this from the perspective of {{ill|separation of church and state|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/Separation of church and state}}. June 15th is still considered '''Hometown Day,''' and public schools have a half-day school day today. In 2010, the ruling in {{ill|10=ja|11=砂川政教分離訴訟|the Sunagawa separation of church and state lawsuit|8=en|simple|User:Immanuelle/砂川政教分離訴訟}} was made, attracting much attention. == footnote == <references group="注釈"></references> <references group="lower-alpha" /> === Note === <references></references> === Sources === * "Hokkaido Shrine Association Journal" Hokkaido Shrine Association, 1999,{{NCID|BA51306613}} * "Hokkaido Religious Encyclopedia" Public Relations Co., Ltd., 1964 ** "Hokkaido Development and Religion" by Shinichiro Takakura ** "A Brief History of Hokkaido Shrines" by Shinichiro Takakura ** "The History of Buddhism in Hokkaido" by Ryusen Sudo * "Ise Shrine and Hokkaido (Special Exhibition Commemorating the 62nd Shikinen Sengu)" Kasumi Hall, 2011 ** "Shrines from the Hokkaido Development Period" by Hideshi Seki ** "Ise faith as seen in Matsumae Kagura" by Naoharu Funayama * "Hokkaido Colonization and Shrines" by Shozo Ogasawara, Overseas Emigration and Culture Research Institute, 1951, Overseas Emigration and Culture Research Institute,{{NCID|BA33191611}} * "The History of Shrines in Ezo", Shingo Aoki, 2002, Hakko Shobo,{{NCID|BA61271027}} * "History of Hokkaido Shrine" Volumes 1 and 2, Hokkaido Shrine, 1991, Hokkaido Shrine History Compilation Committee,{{NCID|BN07127093}} * "Temples and Shrines of Sapporo" Sapporo Bunko 39, Sapporo, 1986 * "50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Road: Photo Album of Famous Shrines and Temples", Nirokudo, 1919 * "Chronology of the History of Hokkaido Shrines" Hokkaido Shrine Association, 1956 * "Hokkaido Shrine Directory" (publisher unknown), 1929 * "Hokkaido Shrine Journal", Hokkaido Shrine Association, 1971 * " Shinto Taikei (Shrine Volume 51 Hokkaido)" Shinto Taikei Editorial Committee, 1983 * "Distribution of Shrines in Hokkaido before the Meiji Period" by Akio Araki, Sapporo University, 1977 * {{Cite journal|last=永幡豊|year=1983|title=北海道における神社の分布について|url=https://doi.org/10.14917/hgs1959.1983.20|journal=北海道地理|publisher=北海道地理学会|volume=1983|issue=57|pages=20-25|doi=10.14917/hgs1959.1983.20|issn=0285-2071|ref=harv}} == See Also == * {{Ill|History of Shinto|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/History of Shinto}} * {{ill|History of Shinto Shrines in Okinawa|ja|沖縄県の神社の歴史|simple|user:immanuelle/History of Shinto Shrines in Okinawa}} {{ill|en:draft:History of Shinto shrines in Hokkaido|8=en|simple|user:immanuelle/History of Shinto shrines in Hokkaido}} == Other websites == * [https://hokkaidojinjacho.jp Hokkaido Shrine Association website] * [http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/festival/index.html Hokkaido Shrine | Sapporo Festival] {{draft categories|{{ill|Category:History of Shinto|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Category:History of Shinto}} {{ill|Category:History of Hokkaido|en|12=simple|13=User:Immanuelle/Category:History of Hokkaido}} <nowiki> {{ill|Category:Pages with unreviewed 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In practice, the halogens found in organic molecules are chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), fluorine (F), and iodine (<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>). Some texts refer to this class of compounds as '''haloalkanes''' or '''alkyl halides'''. The chemical literature will frequently use the terms interchangeably. ''Note:'' The X in R-X represents a generic halogen atom. ==Naming Halogenoalkanes== Haloalkanes are named by adding a prefix to the name of the alkane from which they are derived. The prefix denotes the particular halogen used. '''F''' = ''Fluoro-''<br> '''Cl''' = ''Chloro-''<br> '''Br''' = ''Bromo-''<br> '''<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>''' = ''<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>odo-''<br> If other substituents need to be named, all prefixes are still put in alphabetical order. When necessary, numbers identify substituent locations. ===Example names of halogenoalkanes=== {| CELLPADDING="3" |- | || '''IUPAC name''' || '''Common name''' |- | CH<sub>3</sub>F || FluoroMethane || Methyl fluoride |- | CH<sub>3</sub>Cl || ChloroMethane || Methyl chloride |- | CH<sub>3</sub>Br || BromoMethane || Methyl bromide |- | CH<sub>3</sub><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> || <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>odoMethane || Methyliodide |- | CH<sub>2</sub>F<sub>2</sub> || DiFluoroMethane | Methylene fluoride |- | CH<sub>2</sub>ClCH<sub>2</sub> || DiChloroMethane | Methylene chloride |- | CH<sub>2</sub>FCl || ChloroFluoroMethane | |- | CHBrClF || BromoChloroFluoroMethane || |- | HCCl<sub>3</sub> || TriChloroMethane | Chloroform |- | CHX<sub>3</sub> || Haloforms (X=halogen) || |- | CCl<sub>4</sub> || TetraChloroMethane | Carbon tetrachloride |- | CH<sub>3</sub>CHCl<sub>2</sub> || 1,1-DiChloroEthane | |- | [[Image:1,6-Dichloro-2,3,5-trimethy.png]] | 1,6-DiChloro-2,5-DiMethylHexane || |} ==Physical properties== '''R-X bond polarity:''' most polar C—F > C—Cl > C—Br > C—<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> least polar {| style="margin:auto;" |'''atom''' <nowiki>| </nowiki> |''' electronegativity''' <nowiki>| </nowiki> |''' difference from C''' (= 2.5) <nowiki>| </nowiki> |- |F |4.0 |1.5 |- |Cl |3.0 |0.5 |- |Br |2.8 |0.3 |- |<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> |2.5 |0.0 |} The difference in electronegativity of the carbon-halogen bonds range from 1.5 in C-F to almost 0 in C-<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>. This means that the C-F bond is extremely polar, though not ionic, and the C-<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> bond is almost nonpolar. '''Physical appearance:''' Halogenoalkanes are colourless when pure. However bromo and iodo alkanes develop colour when exposed to light. Many volatile halogen compounds have sweet smell. '''Boiling point:''' Halogenoalkanes are generally liquids at room temperature. Halogenoalkanes generally have a boiling point that is higher than the alkane they are derived from. This is due to the increased molecular weight due to the large halogen atoms and the increased intermolecular forces due to the polar bonds, and the increasing polarisabilty of the halogen. For the same alkyl group, the boiling point of halogenoalkanes decreases in the order R<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> > RBr > RCl > RF. This is due to the increase in [[w:van der Waals forces|van der Waals forces]] when the size and mass of the halogen atom increases. For isomeric halogenoalkanes, the boiling point decreases with increase in branching. '''Density:''' Halogenoalkanes are generally more dense than the alkane they are derived from and usually more dense than water. Density increases with the number of carbon and halogen atom. It also increases with the increase in mass of halogen atom. '''Solubility:''' The halogenoalkanes are only very slightly soluble in water, but dissolve in organic solvents. This is because for dissolving halogenoalkanes in water the strong hydrogen bonds present in water have to be broken. When dissolved in organic (non polar) solvents, the intermolecular attractions are almost same as that being broken. '''Bond Length:''' shortest C—F < C—Cl < C—Br < C—<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> longest {|style="margin:auto;" |'''bond''' |'''length''' (pm) |- |C-F |138 |- |C-Cl |177 |- |C-Br |193 |- |C-<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> |214 |} Larger atoms means larger bond lengths, as the orbitals on the halogen is larger the heavier the halogen is. In F, the orbitals used to make the bonds is 2s and 2p, in Cl, it's 3s and 3p, in Br, 4s and 4p, and in <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>, 5s and 5p. The larger the principal quantum number, the bigger the orbital. This is somewhat offset by the larger effective nuclear charge, but not enough to reverse the order. ==Chemical properties== '''Bond strength:''' strongest C—F > C—Cl > C—Br > C—<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> weakest {|style="margin:auto;" |'''bond''' |'''strength''' (kJ mol<sup>-1</sup>) |- |C-F |484 |- |C-Cl |338 |- |C-Br |276 |- |C-<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> |238 |} '''Bond reactivity:''' least reactive C—F < C—Cl < C—Br < C—<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span> most reactive Stronger bonds are more difficult to break, making them less reactive. =Reactions= ==Substitution reactions of halogenoalkanes== R-X bonds are very commonly used throughout organic chemistry because their polar bonds make them reasonably reactive. In a '''substitution reaction''', the halogen (X) is replaced by another substituent (Y). The alkyl group (R) is not changed. Reminder: The "''':'''" in a chemical formula represents a pair of unbound electrons (a "lone pair"). '''A general substitution reaction''' Y: + R—X &rarr; R—Y + X: Substitutions involving halogenoalkanes involve a type of substitution called '''Nucleophilic substitution''', in which the substituent Y is a '''nucleophile'''. A nucleophile is an electron pair donor. The nucleophile replaces the halogen, which becomes a '''leaving group'''. Nucleophilic substitution reactions are abbreviated as S<sub>N</sub> reactions. For general discussion of these reaction, we can use "Nu:" or "Nu:<sup>-</sup>" to represent a generic nucleophile. Nu:<sup>-</sup> + R—X &rarr; R—Nu + X:<sup>-</sup><br> Nu: + R—X &rarr; R—Nu<sup>+</sup> + X:<sup>-</sup> {| CELLPADDING="3" border="1" style="margin:auto;" |+'''Common Nucleophiles''' |- | '''Reagent''' || '''Nucleophile''' || '''Name''' || Product || Product name |- | NaOH/KOH || :O<sup>-</sup>H || Hydroxide || R—OH || Alcohol |- | NaOR' || :O<sup>-</sup>R' || Alkoxide || R—O—R' || Ether |- | ||:S<sup>-</sup>H || Hydrosulfide || R—SH || Thiol |- | NH<sub>3</sub> || :NH<sub>3</sub> || Ammonia || R—NH<sub>3</sub><sup>+</sup> || Alkylammonium ion |- | KCN || :C<sup>-</sup>N || Cyanide || R—CN || Nitrile |- | AgCN || Ag-CN: || Silver cyanide || R-NC || isonitrile |- | || :C<sup>-</sup>&equiv;C—H || Acetylide | R-C&equiv;C—H || Alkyne |- | NaI || :I<sup>-</sup> || Iodide || R—I || Alkyl Iodide |- |R'<sup>-</sup>M<sup>+</sup> || :R'<sup>-</sup> || Carbanion || R-R' || Alkane |- | KNO<sub>2</sub> ||O=N&mdash;O || Nitrite || R&ndash;O&mdash;N=O || Alkyl nitrite |- | AgNO<sub>2</sub> ||Ag&mdash;&Ouml;&mdash;N=O || Silver nitrite || R&mdash;NO<sub>2</sub> || Nitroalkane |- | LiAlH<sub>4</sub> || H || Hydrogen || RH || alkane |- | R'COOAg || R'COO<sup>-</sup> || Alkanoate || R'COOR || Ester |} '''Example:''' Suggest a reaction to produce the following molecule. [[File:1-ethoxy-3-methylbutane.gif]] '''Answer:''' [[File:1-bromo-3-methylbutane.gif]]<span style="font-size:x-large;">+</span>[[File:Ethanolat-Ion.svg|150px|Ethanolate]] <span style="font-size:x-large;">OR</span> [[File:3-methylbutan-1-olate.gif]]<span style="font-size:x-large;">+</span>[[File:Bromoethan.svg|120px|Bromoethane]] ''Any halogen could be used instead of Br'' === Reaction mechanisms === Nucleophilic substitution can occur in two different ways, but we only consider the S<sub>N</sub>2 mechanism. [[File:Mechanismus von SN2 Reaktionen v 2.svg|thumb|500px|center|Illustration of the S<sub>N</sub>2 mechanism. First, the electrons in the nucleophile (1 :OH<sup>-</sup>) attack the central carbon atom of BromoMethane (2) from the side opposite the leaving group (in this case, a bromine atom). In the transition state, the electrons form a new bond between the central carbon atom and the OH, and the C-Br bond breakes. A the bromide ion (5) leaves the newly formed methanol molecule (4).]] ==Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction Mechanism== In nucleophilic substitution, a '''nucleophile''' attacks a molecule and takes the place of another nucleophile, which then leaves. The nucleophile that leaves is called the '''leaving group'''. A nucleophile has a lone pair of electrons and is often negatively charged. The leaving group is the part of the organic molecule which breaks free and forms a new nucleophile. ===S<sub>N</sub>2=== The '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reaction is a 1-step reaction where the attacking nucleophile, because of its higher affinity for and stronger bonding with the carbon, forces the leaving group to leave. These two things happen in a single step. In '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reactions, the single step of the nucleophile coming together with the reactant from the opposite side of the leaving group, is the key to its rate. Because of this, the rate is dependent on both the concentration of the nucleophile as well as the concentration of the reactant. The higher these two concentrations, the more frequent the collisions. Thus the reaction rate is a second-order reaction: :Rate = ''v'' = ''k''[Nu:][RX] (where Nu: is the attacking nucleophile) There are primarily three things that affect whether an '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reaction will take place or not. The most important is structure. That is whether the halogenoalkane is on a methyl, primary, secondary, or tertiary carbon. The other two components that determine whether an '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reaction will take place or not, are the nucleophilicity of the nucleophile and the solvent used in the reaction. {| WIDTH="99%" |- | style="background-color: #FFF7F7; border: solid 1px #FFBDBD; padding: 1em;" valign="bottom" | <H3>Reactivity Due to Structure of S<sub>N</sub>2</H3> CH<sub>3</sub>X > RCH<sub>2</sub>X > R<sub>2</sub>CHX >> R<sub>3</sub>CX |} The structure of the halogenoalkane has a great effect on mechanism. CH<sub>3</sub>X & RCH<sub>2</sub>X are the preferred structures for '''S<sub>N</sub>2'''. R<sub>2</sub>CHX can undergo the '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' under the proper conditions (see below), and R<sub>3</sub>CX rarely, if ever, is involved in '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reactions. [[Image:SN2CompleteReactionMechanism3.png|frame|center|S<sub>N</sub>2 nucleophilic substitution of bromine with a generic nucleophile]] The reaction takes place by the nucleophile attacking from the opposite side of the bromine atom. Notice that the other 3 bonds are all pointed away from the bromine and towards the attacking nucleophile. When these three bonds are C-H bonds, there's very little steric hindrance of the approaching nucleophile. However, as the number of R groups increases, so does the steric hindrance, making it more difficult for the nucleophile to get close enough to the carbon, to expel the bromine atom. In fact, tertiary carbons (R<sub>3</sub>CX) are so sterically hindered as to prevent the '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' mechanism from taking place at all. In the case of this example, a secondary carbon, there is still a great deal of steric hindrance and whether the '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' mechanism will happen will depend entirely on what the nucleophile and solvent are. '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reactions are preferred for methyl halides and primary halogenoalkanes. Another important point to keep in mind, and this can be seen clearly in the example above, during an '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reaction, the molecule undergoes an inversion. The bonds attached to the carbon are pushed away as the nucleophile approaches. During the transition state, these bonds become planar with the carbon and, as the bromine leaves and the nucleophile bonds to the carbon, the other bonds fold back away from the nucleophile. This is particularly important in chiral or pro-chiral molecules, where an R configuration will be converted into an S configuration and vice versa. '''Examples:''' :OH<sup>-</sup> + CH<sub>3</sub>—Cl → HO—CH<sub>3</sub> + Cl<sup>-</sup> OH<sup>-</sup> is the nucleophile, CH<sub>3</sub>—Cl is the electrophile, HO—CH<sub>3</sub> is the product, and Cl<sup>-</sup> is the leaving group. or, :Na<sup>+</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span><sup>-</sup> + CH<sub>3</sub>-Br → <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span>-CH<sub>3</sub> + Na<sup>+</sup>Br<sup>-</sup> The above reaction, taking place in acetone as the solvent, sodium and iodide disassociate almost completely in the acetone, leaving the iodide ions free to attack the CH-Br molecules. The negatively charged iodide ion, a nucleophile, attacks the methyl bromide molecule, forcing off the negatively charged bromide ion and taking its place. The bromide ion is the leaving group. ====Leaving Group==== The leaving group is the group on the substrate that leaves. In the case of a halogenoalkane, this is the halide ion that leaves the carbon atom when the nucleophile attacks. The tendency of the nucleophile to leave is {| WIDTH="25%" |- | style="background-color: #FFF7F7; border: solid 1px #FFBDBD; padding: 1em;" valign="bottom" | <H3>Relative Reactivity of Leaving Groups</H3> <span style="font-family: Verdana;">I</span><sup>–</sup> > Br<sup>–</sup> > Cl<sup>–</sup> >> F<sup>–</sup> |} Fluoride ions are '''very poor leaving groups''' because they '''bond very strongly''' and are very rarely used in halogenoalkane substitution reactions. ==Elimination Reactions== With alcoholic potassium hydroxide, halogenoalkanes lose H-X and form the corresponding alkene. Nucleophilic substitution reactions and elimination reactions share a lot of common characteristics, on top of which, the reactions can sometimes compete and, since their products are different, it's important to understand them both. Without understanding both kinds of mechanisms, it would be difficult to get the product you desire from a reaction. In addition, the '''S<sub>N</sub>2''' reaction will be referenced quite a bit by way of comparison and contrast, so it's probably best to read that section first and then continue here. Elimination reactions create alkene products from halogenoalkane reactants. Elimination, unlike substitution, does not occur with methyl halides because the reaction creates a double bond between two carbon atoms and methylhalides have only one carbon. {{BookCat}} 1warf1hc6y71daclz2k3z0z3r6w1faf Linear Algebra and the C Language/a02m 0 477409 4653973 4533934 2026-07-11T09:14:43Z Xhungab 545789 4653973 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : vrm_sym.h */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rsymmetric_mR( double **A, int n) { int r; int c; double x; isquare_mR(A,"rsymmetric_mR();","(A)"); for ( r=R1; r<A[R_SIZE][C0]; r++) for ( c=C1; c<A[C_SIZE][C0]; c++) { x = r_I (n); A[r][c] = x; A[c][r] = x; } return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **mul_sDA_mR( double s, double **A, double **sA ) { int r; c_mR(A,sA); for(r=R1; r<A[R_SIZE][C0]; r++) // if( r <= csize_R(A) ) sA[r][r] = abs(s * A[r][r]); return(sA); } /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rPsymmetric_mR( double **A, int n) { int r; int c; double x; double **B = i_mR(rsize_R(A),csize_R(A)); isquare_mR(A,"rsymmetric_mR();","(A)"); for ( r=R1; r<A[R_SIZE][C0]; r++) for ( c=C1; c<A[C_SIZE][C0]; c++) { x = r_I (n); B[r][c] = x; B[c][r] = x; } mul_sDA_mR(111.,B,A); f_mR(B); return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rEsymmetric_mR( double **A, int n, double E /* 1E-1 1E-0 1E+1 */ ) { int r = rsize_R(A); int c = csize_R(A); double **B = rE_mR( i_mR(r,c),n,E); double **B_T = transpose_mR(B,i_mR(c,r)); mul_mR(B,B_T, A); f_mR(B); f_mR(B_T); return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rskewsymmetric_mR( double **A, int n) { int r; int c; double x; isquare_mR(A,"rskewsymmetric_mR();","(A)"); for ( r=R1; r<A[R_SIZE][C0]; r++) for ( c=C1; c<A[C_SIZE][C0]; c++) { if(r==c) A[r][c] = 0.; else{ x = r_I (n); A[r][c] = -x; A[c][r] = x; } } return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rcentrosymmetric_mR( double **A, int k) { int r; int c; int n = rsize_R(A); double x; isquare_mR(A,"rcentrosymmetric_mR();","(A)"); for ( r=R1; r<A[R_SIZE][C0]; r++) for ( c=C1; c<A[C_SIZE][C0]; c++) { x = r_I(k); A[n-r+1][n-c+1] = x; A[r][c] = x; } return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rdefinite_positive_mR( double **A, int n ) { int r = rsize_R(A); double **T = r_mR( i_mR(r,r),n); double **TT = transpose_mR(T, i_mR(r,r)); mul_mR(T,TT,A); f_mR(T); f_mR(TT); return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rdefinite_negative_mR( double **A, int n ) { int r = rsize_R(A); double **Q = r_Q_mR( i_mR(r,r),n); double **QT = transpose_mR(Q, i_mR(r,r)); double **D = rpdiag_mR( i_mR(r,r),n); double **sD = smul_mR(-1,D, i_mR(r,r)); double **QsD = mul_mR(Q,sD, i_mR(r,r)); mul_mR(QsD,QT,A); f_mR(Q); f_mR(QT); f_mR(D); f_mR(sD); f_mR(QsD); return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **rdefpos_diag_mR( double **D, double **A, int n ) { int r = rsize_R(A); double **Q = r_Q_mR( i_mR(r,r),n); double **QT = invgj_mR(Q, i_mR(r,r)); double **QD = mul_mR(Q,D, i_mR(r,r)); mul_mR(QD,QT,A); f_mR(Q); f_mR(QT); f_mR(QD); return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} b0e8kfgo7knkurjkxfhivje7uypk8ab Linear Algebra and the C Language/a0i8 0 478338 4653974 4538606 2026-07-11T09:17:29Z Xhungab 545789 4653974 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00a.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r, r), 99); double **invA = inv_mR(A, i_mR(r, r)); double **EValue = eigs_mR(A, i_mR(r,C1)); clrscrn(); printf(" The eigenvalues ​​of a positive-definite matrix\n" " are positive. The matrix is ​​invertible.\n\n" " A:"); p_mR(A, S12,P2,C6); printf(" EigenValue: eigs_mR(A,EValue);"); p_mR(EValue, S12,P3,C1); printf(" invA:"); pE_mR(invA, S12,P3,C6); f_mR(A); f_mR(invA); f_mR(EValue); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(rp_I(RC2)+RC2); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''The eigenvalues ​​of a positive-definite matrix are positive. The matrix is ​​invertible.''' '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> The eigenvalues ​​of a positive-definite matrix are positive. The matrix is ​​invertible. A: +9828.00 -2406.00 -1704.00 -2406.00 +7989.00 -4512.00 -1704.00 -4512.00 +3608.00 EigenValue: eigs_mR(A,EValue); +11802.782 +9603.465 +18.753 invA: +3.983e-03 +7.701e-03 +1.151e-02 +7.701e-03 +1.532e-02 +2.279e-02 +1.151e-02 +2.279e-02 +3.422e-02 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} fp2qs27adt8ok46b9nisbdfrzhsyvpl Linear Algebra and the C Language/a0i9 0 478339 4653975 4538607 2026-07-11T09:19:46Z Xhungab 545789 4653975 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00b.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r,r), 99); double **TA = i_mR(r,r); double **V = i_mR(r,r); double **VT = i_mR(r,r); double **EValue = i_mR(r,r); double **T = i_mR(r,r); clrscrn(); printf(" Let's check that A = V * EValue * VT.\n\n" " A:"); p_mR(A, S10,P2,C6); /* Eigenvector */ eigs_V_mR(A,V); transpose_mR(V,VT); /* Eigenvalue = VT * A * V */ mul_mR(VT,A,T); mul_mR(T,V,EValue); printf(" TA = V EValue VT"); mul_mR(V,EValue,T); mul_mR(T,VT,TA); p_mR(TA, S10,P2,C6); printf(" A - TA = 0"); sub_mR(A,TA,T); p_mR(T, S10,P6,C6); f_mR(A); f_mR(TA); f_mR(V); f_mR(VT); f_mR(EValue); f_mR(T); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(rp_I(R2)+R2); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''Let's check that A = V * EValue * VT.''' '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> Let's check that A = V * EValue * VT. A: +14637.00 +8674.00 +1288.00 +1887.00 +8674.00 +14269.00 +4717.00 +4111.00 +1288.00 +4717.00 +7730.00 -2239.00 +1887.00 +4111.00 -2239.00 +15123.00 TA = V EValue VT +14637.00 +8674.00 +1288.00 +1887.00 +8674.00 +14269.00 +4717.00 +4111.00 +1288.00 +4717.00 +7730.00 -2239.00 +1887.00 +4111.00 -2239.00 +15123.00 A - TA = 0 -0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} 7wk8xjqpwzfxep7huuwe3vfzbo6fgid 4653976 4653975 2026-07-11T09:21:06Z Xhungab 545789 4653976 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00b.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r,r), 99); double **TA = i_mR(r,r); double **V = i_mR(r,r); double **VT = i_mR(r,r); double **EValue = i_mR(r,r); double **T = i_mR(r,r); clrscrn(); printf(" Let's check that A = V * EValue * VT.\n\n" " A:"); p_mR(A, S10,P2,C6); /* Eigenvector */ eigs_V_mR(A,V); transpose_mR(V,VT); /* Eigenvalue = VT * A * V */ mul_mR(VT,A,T); mul_mR(T,V,EValue); printf(" TA = V EValue VT"); mul_mR(V,EValue,T); mul_mR(T,VT,TA); p_mR(TA, S10,P2,C6); printf(" A - TA = 0"); sub_mR(A,TA,T); p_mR(T, S10,P6,C6); f_mR(A); f_mR(TA); f_mR(V); f_mR(VT); f_mR(EValue); f_mR(T); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(rp_I(R2)+R2); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''Let's check that A = V * EValue * VT.''' '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> Let's check that A = V * EValue * VT. A: +14637.00 +8674.00 +1288.00 +1887.00 +8674.00 +14269.00 +4717.00 +4111.00 +1288.00 +4717.00 +7730.00 -2239.00 +1887.00 +4111.00 -2239.00 +15123.00 TA = V EValue VT +14637.00 +8674.00 +1288.00 +1887.00 +8674.00 +14269.00 +4717.00 +4111.00 +1288.00 +4717.00 +7730.00 -2239.00 +1887.00 +4111.00 -2239.00 +15123.00 A - TA = 0 -0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 +0.000000 -0.000000 +0.000000 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} 4skyxluf93qy1loa5imhvj1ujkfxepr Linear Algebra and the C Language/a0ib 0 478340 4653977 4538608 2026-07-11T09:23:05Z Xhungab 545789 4653977 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00c.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r, r), 99); double **invA = inv_mR(A, i_mR(r, r)); double **EValue = eigs_mR(invA, i_mR(r,C1)); clrscrn(); printf(" The inverse matrix of a positive-definite matrix\n" " is ​​positive-definite. (The eigen values are positive)\n\n" " A:"); p_mR(A, S6,P0,C6); printf(" invA:"); pE_mR(invA, S12,P6,C6); printf(" Eigen Value: eigs_mR(InvA,EValue);"); pE_mR(EValue, S12,P3,C1); f_mR(A); f_mR(invA); f_mR(EValue); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(RC4); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''The inverse matrix of a positive-definite matrix is ​​positive-definite.''' '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> The inverse matrix of a positive-definite matrix is ​​positive-definite. (The eigen values are positive) A: +7268 -7704 -6286 -3796 -7704 +18190 +5467 +9657 -6286 +5467 +10822 -6507 -3796 +9657 -6507 +24006 invA: +1.345606e-03 -6.675553e-05 +1.146219e-03 +5.503218e-04 -6.675553e-05 +1.443631e-04 -1.827543e-04 -1.181663e-04 +1.146219e-03 -1.827543e-04 +1.199131e-03 +5.797988e-04 +5.503218e-04 -1.181663e-04 +5.797988e-04 +3.333710e-04 Eigen Value: eigs_mR(InvA,EValue); +2.707e-03 +2.405e-04 +4.488e-05 +2.987e-05 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} 6w73xk930rarz2rzyw3jz7nyomp40wb Linear Algebra and the C Language/a0ic 0 478341 4653978 4538609 2026-07-11T09:24:33Z Xhungab 545789 4653978 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00d.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double s = rp_I(7)+2; double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r, r), 99); double **sA = smul_mR(s,A, i_mR(r, r)); double **EValue = eigs_mR(sA, i_mR(r,C1)); clrscrn(); printf(" If A is positive-definite and if s is a strictly positive \n" " real number, then s*A is positive definite.\n\n" " A:"); p_mR(A, S6,P0,C6); printf(" %+.0f A: s > 0",s); p_mR(sA, S6,P0,C6); printf(" Eigen Value of: %+.0f A",s); p_mR(EValue, S12,P3,C1); f_mR(A); f_mR(sA); f_mR(EValue); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(RC4); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''If A is positive-definite and if s is a strictly positive real number, then s*A is positive definite.''' '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> If A is positive-definite and if s is a strictly positive real number, then s*A is positive definite. A: +22182 +13291 +1009 -10981 +13291 +10966 +1241 -4770 +1009 +1241 +17499 +210 -10981 -4770 +210 +21786 +6 A: s > 0 +133092 +79746 +6054 -65886 +79746 +65796 +7446 -28620 +6054 +7446 +104994 +1260 -65886 -28620 +1260 +130716 Eigen Value of: +6 A +234869.870 +106607.570 +82018.764 +11101.796 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} qp8d199ic9lrc77aktek9qrrjieg8dn Linear Algebra and the C Language/a0id 0 478342 4653979 4538610 2026-07-11T09:26:32Z Xhungab 545789 4653979 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00e.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r,r), 99); double **SqrtA = i_mR(r,r); double **invSqrtA = i_mR(r,r); double **V = i_mR(r,r); double **VT = i_mR(r,r); double **EValue = i_mR(r,r); double **f_EValue = i_mR(r,r); double **T = i_mR(r,r); clrscrn(); printf(" A positive-matrix is ​​positive definite\n" " if and only if its positive square root\n" " is invertible.\n\n" " A:"); p_mR(A, S6,P0, C8); stop(); clrscrn(); /* Eigenvector */ eigs_V_mR(A,V); transpose_mR(V,VT); /* EigenValue = VT * A * V */ mul_mR(VT,A,T); mul_mR(T,V,EValue); printf(" sqrt(A) = V * sqrt(EValue) * VT\n"); f_eigs_mR(sqrt,EValue,f_EValue); mul_mR(V,f_EValue,T); mul_mR(T,VT, SqrtA); p_mR(SqrtA, S10,P4, C8); printf(" inv(sqrt(A)):"); inv_mR(SqrtA,invSqrtA); p_mR(invSqrtA, S10,P4, C8); printf(" IDE = sqrt(A) inv(sqrt(A))"); mul_mR(SqrtA,invSqrtA,T ); p_mR(T, S10,P4, C8); f_mR(A); f_mR(SqrtA); f_mR(invSqrtA); f_mR(V); f_mR(VT); f_mR(EValue); f_mR(f_EValue); f_mR(T); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(RC4); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''A positive-matrix is ​​positive definite if and only if its positive square root is invertible.''' '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> A positive-matrix is ​​positive definite if and only if its positive square root is invertible. A: +8879 +8199 -2826 -2143 +8199 +12315 -1166 +2745 -2826 -1166 +11572 +3808 -2143 +2745 +3808 +7469 Press return to continue. sqrt(A) = V * sqrt(EValue) * VT +77.3385 +48.9529 -12.1061 -18.8362 +48.9529 +97.1459 -4.9575 +21.3707 -12.1061 -4.9575 +104.8783 +20.0350 -18.8362 +21.3707 +20.0350 +79.0954 inv(sqrt(A)): +0.0245 -0.0144 +0.0003 +0.0097 -0.0144 +0.0196 +0.0010 -0.0090 +0.0003 +0.0010 +0.0101 -0.0028 +0.0097 -0.0090 -0.0028 +0.0181 IDE = sqrt(A) inv(sqrt(A)) +1.0000 +0.0000 -0.0000 +0.0000 +0.0000 +1.0000 -0.0000 +0.0000 -0.0000 -0.0000 +1.0000 +0.0000 +0.0000 -0.0000 -0.0000 +1.0000 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} 7uixt5xwhu2em27g2eqw8ij9itiyycu Linear Algebra and the C Language/a0ie 0 478343 4653980 4538611 2026-07-11T09:28:24Z Xhungab 545789 4653980 wikitext text/x-wiki __NOTOC__ '''Install and compile this file in your working directory.''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> /* ------------------------------------ */ /* Save as : c00a.c */ /* ------------------------------------ */ #include "v_a.h" /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ double **X_rdefinite_positive_mR( double **A, int n ) { int r = rsize_R(A); double **T = r_mR( i_mR(r,r),n); double **TT = transpose_mR(T, i_mR(r,r)); mul_mR(T,TT,A); f_mR(T); f_mR(TT); return(A); } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ void fun(int r) { double **A = rdefinite_positive_mR( i_mR(r,r), 99); double **EValue = eigs_mR(A, i_mR(r,C1)); clrscrn(); printf(" A:"); p_mR(A, S12,P3,C6); printf(" Eigenvalue: eigs_mR(A,EValue);"); p_mR(EValue, S12,P3,C1); f_mR(A); f_mR(EValue); } /* ------------------------------------ */ int main(void) { time_t t; srand(time(&t)); do { fun(rp_I(R3)+R2); } while(stop_w()); return 0; } /* ------------------------------------ */ /* ------------------------------------ */ </syntaxhighlight> '''Screen output example:''' <syntaxhighlight lang="c"> A: +15918.000 +3710.000 +5430.000 -842.000 +3710.000 +8001.000 -5786.000 -206.000 +5430.000 -5786.000 +11079.000 +2942.000 -842.000 -206.000 +2942.000 +8782.000 Eigenvalue: eigs_mR(A,EValue); +19529.066 +15379.973 +8451.614 +419.347 Press return to continue Press X return to stop </syntaxhighlight> {{BookCat}} ipd9gaxhz63j1dxzyr6f4objj1fnwmk History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/7BU Burnie 0 478411 4653719 4641372 2026-07-10T23:48:21Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 4653719 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Incomplete}} === 7BU - Burnie === ==== Comprehensive Summary ==== A comprehensive summary of 7BU Burnie has not yet been prepared for this Wikibook, however the following resources have been assembled in preparation: * [[/Research|Research - 7BU Burnie]] - Summary of research to date * [[/Notes|Transcriptions and Notes - 7BU Burnie]] - More than 90 transcriptions (Reads like a summary) * [[/Graphics|Photos, QSL cards and other graphics - 7BU Burnie]] - Nothing uploaded as yet, but several photos available in Trove * [[/Wikipedia|Incubator of Wikipedia Article on 7BU Burnie]] - Coming real soon now! ==== Key internet links ==== Nothing identified as yet ==References== {{Reflist}} {{BookCat}} dwcrzdhl9svtp6u463k6kq8e1mlviep History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Stations/7BU Burnie/Notes 0 478412 4653594 4641371 2026-07-10T21:46:42Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1948 09 */ 4653594 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== 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Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 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feng7rsg7udc3liouamxyzz42so7eqp 4653705 4653594 2026-07-10T22:04:32Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1950 08 */ 4653705 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== =====1902 02===== =====1902 03===== =====1902 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=====1928 05===== =====1928 06===== =====1928 07===== =====1928 08===== =====1928 09===== =====1928 10===== =====1928 11===== =====1928 12===== ====1929==== =====1929 01===== =====1929 02===== =====1929 03===== =====1929 04===== =====1929 05===== =====1929 06===== =====1929 07===== =====1929 08===== =====1929 09===== =====1929 10===== =====1929 11===== =====1929 12===== ===1930s=== ====1930==== =====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== 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{{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== =====1902 02===== =====1902 03===== =====1902 04===== =====1902 05===== =====1902 06===== =====1902 07===== =====1902 08===== =====1902 09===== =====1902 10===== =====1902 11===== 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12===== ====1929==== =====1929 01===== =====1929 02===== =====1929 03===== =====1929 04===== =====1929 05===== =====1929 06===== =====1929 07===== =====1929 08===== =====1929 09===== =====1929 10===== =====1929 11===== =====1929 12===== ===1930s=== ====1930==== =====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Local fire puts 7BU off-air <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== 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=====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== 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07===== =====1997 08===== =====1997 09===== =====1997 10===== =====1997 11===== =====1997 12===== ====1998==== =====1998 01===== =====1998 02===== =====1998 03===== =====1998 04===== =====1998 05===== =====1998 06===== =====1998 07===== =====1998 08===== =====1998 09===== =====1998 10===== =====1998 11===== =====1998 12===== ====1999==== =====1999 01===== =====1999 02===== =====1999 03===== =====1999 04===== =====1999 05===== =====1999 06===== =====1999 07===== =====1999 08===== =====1999 09===== =====1999 10===== =====1999 11===== =====1999 12===== ==References== {{Reflist}} {{BookCat}} 9bb2zv838vadxcmhvygk3hjhob4vog7 4653708 4653707 2026-07-10T22:59:07Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1952 03 */ 4653708 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for 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=====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== 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Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== 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01===== =====1999 02===== =====1999 03===== =====1999 04===== =====1999 05===== =====1999 06===== =====1999 07===== =====1999 08===== =====1999 09===== =====1999 10===== =====1999 11===== =====1999 12===== ==References== {{Reflist}} {{BookCat}} ioyesrq249p4r3tbtz2z9caoisu4lo0 4653710 4653709 2026-07-10T23:06:43Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1952 09 */ 4653710 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 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DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== 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1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 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09===== =====1999 10===== =====1999 11===== =====1999 12===== ==References== {{Reflist}} {{BookCat}} 5fwxkxkvotbnqobl9hlxays62gj4p9m 4653717 4653715 2026-07-10T23:40:55Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1953 09 */ 4653717 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 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DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== 7BU Manager Tas. Lord appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . RADIO HONOR.'''— Mr. Tas. Lord, manager of radio station 7BU, has been appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. He was notified of his appointment at the State executive meeting in Launceston on Tuesday. He will take up his duties for the year 1953-54 after the federation convention at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland, from October 19. This is the first time for many years the appointment has come to the North-west Coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69491303 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 September 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 04===== =====1956 05===== =====1956 06===== =====1956 07===== 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==References== {{Reflist}} {{BookCat}} sks4z8x52b3lcj4jxsqjrlht9a1qp0h 4653718 4653717 2026-07-10T23:47:21Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1954 01 */ 4653718 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== 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DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== 7BU Manager Tas. Lord appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . RADIO HONOR.'''— Mr. Tas. Lord, manager of radio station 7BU, has been appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. He was notified of his appointment at the State executive meeting in Launceston on Tuesday. He will take up his duties for the year 1953-54 after the federation convention at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland, from October 19. This is the first time for many years the appointment has come to the North-west Coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69491303 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 September 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== Small fire near 7BU studios causes minor damage to 7BU premises <blockquote>'''Firemen hacked hydrant clear.''' Firemen had to spend about 20 minutes hacking through about an inch of bitumen on the footpath to uncover two fire plugs after they had attended a fire in the main business centre of Burnie last night. The fire was noticed about 9.30 in a pile of shavings in the yard behind Gill's sports store in Wilson Street, but luckily firemen did not have to use their hoses. About half a dozen wooden palings and a post in the fence separating the premises from 7BU were burnt. It is not known how the fire started. The fire was put out in a few minutes with buckets of water. The nearest plug to the fire was only a few yards from the mouth of the laneway to the entrance of 7BU. However, brigade members had to hack through the footpath with an axe to get to it. Another plug in front of the Tourist Bureau also had to be cut out. In the event of a bad fire, firemen would have had to unearth the plug or find an alternative one. Several old, unusable plugs were in clear view between the two sealed ones. The brigade was also out for about one and a half hours yesterday afternoon at a fire in Mooreville Road. The fire, reported at about 12.45 p.m., broke out in a woodheap of Mr Ken. Medwin's property. It was estimated that about 20 tons of wood was destroyed. Using a suction pump, the brigade attempted to quell the blaze with water from a storage tank. However, the water supply was insufficient and the heap had to be pulled apart. It is thought the fire started from one of several heaps of chips which had been raked up and lit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69883074 |title=Firemen hacked hydrant clear |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 January 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 04===== =====1956 05===== =====1956 06===== =====1956 07===== =====1956 08===== =====1956 09===== =====1956 10===== 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l6d4p389euh6ti8j2u913ayx4zuh9yv 4653723 4653718 2026-07-11T01:40:01Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1954 05 */ 4653723 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== =====1902 02===== =====1902 03===== =====1902 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DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== 7BU Manager Tas. Lord appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . RADIO HONOR.'''— Mr. Tas. Lord, manager of radio station 7BU, has been appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. He was notified of his appointment at the State executive meeting in Launceston on Tuesday. He will take up his duties for the year 1953-54 after the federation convention at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland, from October 19. This is the first time for many years the appointment has come to the North-west Coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69491303 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 September 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== Small fire near 7BU studios causes minor damage to 7BU premises <blockquote>'''Firemen hacked hydrant clear.''' Firemen had to spend about 20 minutes hacking through about an inch of bitumen on the footpath to uncover two fire plugs after they had attended a fire in the main business centre of Burnie last night. The fire was noticed about 9.30 in a pile of shavings in the yard behind Gill's sports store in Wilson Street, but luckily firemen did not have to use their hoses. About half a dozen wooden palings and a post in the fence separating the premises from 7BU were burnt. It is not known how the fire started. The fire was put out in a few minutes with buckets of water. The nearest plug to the fire was only a few yards from the mouth of the laneway to the entrance of 7BU. However, brigade members had to hack through the footpath with an axe to get to it. Another plug in front of the Tourist Bureau also had to be cut out. In the event of a bad fire, firemen would have had to unearth the plug or find an alternative one. Several old, unusable plugs were in clear view between the two sealed ones. The brigade was also out for about one and a half hours yesterday afternoon at a fire in Mooreville Road. The fire, reported at about 12.45 p.m., broke out in a woodheap of Mr Ken. Medwin's property. It was estimated that about 20 tons of wood was destroyed. Using a suction pump, the brigade attempted to quell the blaze with water from a storage tank. However, the water supply was insufficient and the heap had to be pulled apart. It is thought the fire started from one of several heaps of chips which had been raked up and lit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69883074 |title=Firemen hacked hydrant clear |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 January 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== 7BU's first manager passes in hospital <blockquote>'''MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL.''' Mr. Arthur D. Towner, M.B.E., who was managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, from 1935 until 1952, died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, yesterday. He was aged 70. Mr. Towner and his wife, came from England to Australia soon after the first world war. He was employed in Sydney by Elby and Co., a musical firm. In 1931 Mr. Towner joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Hobart. A short while later he was made manager of the firm's Burnie branch. When radio station 7BU was inaugurated in 1935, Mr. Towner was appointed managing director, a position which he held until his retirement in 1952. He also was managing secretary of the Tasmanian Coastal Network, which covers stations 7BU, 7AD, 7DY (Derby) and 7QT (Queenstown). Mr. Towner was awarded the M.B.E. in 1948. In his capacity as manager of 7BU, he organised and conducted many appeals for hospitals and for crippled children. During World War II he organised the Spitfire Fund and the Burnie Prisoner of War fund. He also founded the Sunpolishers' Club at 7BU, which is directed mainly in the interests of children. Mr. Towner is survived by his wife, Ethel Francis, son Rex (Perth, W.A.) and daughters Irene (Mrs. G. Lindsay, Sydney) and Olive (Mrs. H. C. Butler, Hobart). The funeral will be at the Wivenhoe Cemetery tomorrow after a service in the Burnie Baptist Church, beginning at 10 a.m. Mr. A. D. Towner<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971273 |title=MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 04===== =====1956 05===== =====1956 06===== =====1956 07===== =====1956 08===== =====1956 09===== =====1956 10===== =====1956 11===== =====1956 12===== ====1957==== =====1957 01===== =====1957 02===== =====1957 03===== =====1957 04===== =====1957 05===== =====1957 06===== =====1957 07===== =====1957 08===== =====1957 09===== =====1957 10===== =====1957 11===== 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duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== =====1902 02===== =====1902 03===== =====1902 04===== =====1902 05===== =====1902 06===== =====1902 07===== =====1902 08===== =====1902 09===== =====1902 10===== =====1902 11===== =====1902 12===== ====1903==== =====1903 01===== =====1903 02===== =====1903 03===== =====1903 04===== =====1903 05===== 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06===== =====1929 07===== =====1929 08===== =====1929 09===== =====1929 10===== =====1929 11===== =====1929 12===== ===1930s=== ====1930==== =====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== 7BU Manager Tas. Lord appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . RADIO HONOR.'''— Mr. Tas. Lord, manager of radio station 7BU, has been appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. He was notified of his appointment at the State executive meeting in Launceston on Tuesday. He will take up his duties for the year 1953-54 after the federation convention at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland, from October 19. This is the first time for many years the appointment has come to the North-west Coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69491303 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 September 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== Small fire near 7BU studios causes minor damage to 7BU premises <blockquote>'''Firemen hacked hydrant clear.''' Firemen had to spend about 20 minutes hacking through about an inch of bitumen on the footpath to uncover two fire plugs after they had attended a fire in the main business centre of Burnie last night. The fire was noticed about 9.30 in a pile of shavings in the yard behind Gill's sports store in Wilson Street, but luckily firemen did not have to use their hoses. About half a dozen wooden palings and a post in the fence separating the premises from 7BU were burnt. It is not known how the fire started. The fire was put out in a few minutes with buckets of water. The nearest plug to the fire was only a few yards from the mouth of the laneway to the entrance of 7BU. However, brigade members had to hack through the footpath with an axe to get to it. Another plug in front of the Tourist Bureau also had to be cut out. In the event of a bad fire, firemen would have had to unearth the plug or find an alternative one. Several old, unusable plugs were in clear view between the two sealed ones. The brigade was also out for about one and a half hours yesterday afternoon at a fire in Mooreville Road. The fire, reported at about 12.45 p.m., broke out in a woodheap of Mr Ken. Medwin's property. It was estimated that about 20 tons of wood was destroyed. Using a suction pump, the brigade attempted to quell the blaze with water from a storage tank. However, the water supply was insufficient and the heap had to be pulled apart. It is thought the fire started from one of several heaps of chips which had been raked up and lit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69883074 |title=Firemen hacked hydrant clear |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 January 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== 7BU's first manager passes in hospital <blockquote>'''MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL.''' Mr. Arthur D. Towner, M.B.E., who was managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, from 1935 until 1952, died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, yesterday. He was aged 70. Mr. Towner and his wife, came from England to Australia soon after the first world war. He was employed in Sydney by Elby and Co., a musical firm. In 1931 Mr. Towner joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Hobart. A short while later he was made manager of the firm's Burnie branch. When radio station 7BU was inaugurated in 1935, Mr. Towner was appointed managing director, a position which he held until his retirement in 1952. He also was managing secretary of the Tasmanian Coastal Network, which covers stations 7BU, 7AD, 7DY (Derby) and 7QT (Queenstown). Mr. Towner was awarded the M.B.E. in 1948. In his capacity as manager of 7BU, he organised and conducted many appeals for hospitals and for crippled children. During World War II he organised the Spitfire Fund and the Burnie Prisoner of War fund. He also founded the Sunpolishers' Club at 7BU, which is directed mainly in the interests of children. Mr. Towner is survived by his wife, Ethel Francis, son Rex (Perth, W.A.) and daughters Irene (Mrs. G. Lindsay, Sydney) and Olive (Mrs. H. C. Butler, Hobart). The funeral will be at the Wivenhoe Cemetery tomorrow after a service in the Burnie Baptist Church, beginning at 10 a.m. Mr. A. D. Towner<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971273 |title=MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Obituary for 7BU's first manager <blockquote>'''OBITUARY. Mr. A. D. Towner.''' Mr. Arthur Danesbury Towner, M.B.E., former managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, who died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, on Sunday, was buried in the Wivenhoe Cemetery yesterday. Services were conducted at the Burnie Baptist Church and at the graveside by the Rev. M. D. Brewer. Chief mourners were Mrs. Towner (widow) and daughters, Mesdames H. C. Butler (Hobart) and G. Lindsay (Sydney). His only son, Rex, resides in Perth, W.A. Carriers were Messrs. T. Lord (representing the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations), J. Trethewie, H. C. Butler (son-in-law) and K. A. Findlay. Pallbearers were Messrs. S. Broad, J. D. Spotswood, L. E. Ormerod, B. A. Findlay, A. P. Findlay and D. Charlton. Floral tributes were received from vice-presidents, officers and members of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations (Tasmanian Branch) ; pastor, officers, members and friends, Burnie Baptist Church; proprietors of "The Advocate"; directors, management and staff 7BU, Burnie; directors and staff, 7QT, Queenstown; directors, management and staff 7LA, Launceston; directors, management and staff 7AD, Devonport; directors, management and staff, Findlays Pty. Ltd., head office and branches; Florette Florists; 7BU choir members; management and staff, A.N. A., Burnie; R.S.L. subbranch, Burnie; management and staff, Findlays Pty. Ltd., Burnie; Mia Mia Cafe; members, Young Women's Christian Association, Burnie; Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women; Society for Crippled Children, Launceston; manager and staff, E.S. and A. Bank, Burnie; 7HO commercial station, Hobart; Baptist Women's Auxiliary, Burnie; J. Overall Pty. Ltd. The deceased was very interested in the activities of the Burnie subbranch of the Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women. He was an honorary member for several years and strongly supported all charitable appeals conducted by the subbranch and assisted the legion in an advisory and practical manner.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971544 |title=OBITUARY |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 04===== =====1956 05===== =====1956 06===== =====1956 07===== =====1956 08===== =====1956 09===== =====1956 10===== =====1956 11===== 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mqa6hq17j2e1isk03dgs11l2mmui1qt 4653725 4653724 2026-07-11T01:55:59Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1954 05 */ 4653725 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== =====1902 02===== =====1902 03===== =====1902 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====1924==== =====1924 01===== =====1924 02===== =====1924 03===== =====1924 04===== =====1924 05===== =====1924 06===== =====1924 07===== =====1924 08===== =====1924 09===== =====1924 10===== =====1924 11===== =====1924 12===== ====1925==== =====1925 01===== =====1925 02===== =====1925 03===== =====1925 04===== =====1925 05===== =====1925 06===== =====1925 07===== =====1925 08===== =====1925 09===== =====1925 10===== =====1925 11===== =====1925 12===== ====1926==== =====1926 01===== =====1926 02===== =====1926 03===== =====1926 04===== =====1926 05===== =====1926 06===== =====1926 07===== =====1926 08===== =====1926 09===== =====1926 10===== =====1926 11===== =====1926 12===== ====1927==== =====1927 01===== =====1927 02===== =====1927 03===== =====1927 04===== =====1927 05===== =====1927 06===== =====1927 07===== =====1927 08===== =====1927 09===== =====1927 10===== =====1927 11===== =====1927 12===== ====1928==== =====1928 01===== =====1928 02===== =====1928 03===== =====1928 04===== =====1928 05===== =====1928 06===== =====1928 07===== =====1928 08===== =====1928 09===== =====1928 10===== =====1928 11===== =====1928 12===== ====1929==== =====1929 01===== =====1929 02===== =====1929 03===== =====1929 04===== =====1929 05===== =====1929 06===== =====1929 07===== =====1929 08===== =====1929 09===== =====1929 10===== =====1929 11===== =====1929 12===== ===1930s=== ====1930==== =====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== 7BU Manager Tas. Lord appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . RADIO HONOR.'''— Mr. Tas. Lord, manager of radio station 7BU, has been appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. He was notified of his appointment at the State executive meeting in Launceston on Tuesday. He will take up his duties for the year 1953-54 after the federation convention at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland, from October 19. This is the first time for many years the appointment has come to the North-west Coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69491303 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 September 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== Small fire near 7BU studios causes minor damage to 7BU premises <blockquote>'''Firemen hacked hydrant clear.''' Firemen had to spend about 20 minutes hacking through about an inch of bitumen on the footpath to uncover two fire plugs after they had attended a fire in the main business centre of Burnie last night. The fire was noticed about 9.30 in a pile of shavings in the yard behind Gill's sports store in Wilson Street, but luckily firemen did not have to use their hoses. About half a dozen wooden palings and a post in the fence separating the premises from 7BU were burnt. It is not known how the fire started. The fire was put out in a few minutes with buckets of water. The nearest plug to the fire was only a few yards from the mouth of the laneway to the entrance of 7BU. However, brigade members had to hack through the footpath with an axe to get to it. Another plug in front of the Tourist Bureau also had to be cut out. In the event of a bad fire, firemen would have had to unearth the plug or find an alternative one. Several old, unusable plugs were in clear view between the two sealed ones. The brigade was also out for about one and a half hours yesterday afternoon at a fire in Mooreville Road. The fire, reported at about 12.45 p.m., broke out in a woodheap of Mr Ken. Medwin's property. It was estimated that about 20 tons of wood was destroyed. Using a suction pump, the brigade attempted to quell the blaze with water from a storage tank. However, the water supply was insufficient and the heap had to be pulled apart. It is thought the fire started from one of several heaps of chips which had been raked up and lit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69883074 |title=Firemen hacked hydrant clear |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 January 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== 7BU's first manager passes in hospital <blockquote>'''MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL.''' Mr. Arthur D. Towner, M.B.E., who was managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, from 1935 until 1952, died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, yesterday. He was aged 70. Mr. Towner and his wife, came from England to Australia soon after the first world war. He was employed in Sydney by Elby and Co., a musical firm. In 1931 Mr. Towner joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Hobart. A short while later he was made manager of the firm's Burnie branch. When radio station 7BU was inaugurated in 1935, Mr. Towner was appointed managing director, a position which he held until his retirement in 1952. He also was managing secretary of the Tasmanian Coastal Network, which covers stations 7BU, 7AD, 7DY (Derby) and 7QT (Queenstown). Mr. Towner was awarded the M.B.E. in 1948. In his capacity as manager of 7BU, he organised and conducted many appeals for hospitals and for crippled children. During World War II he organised the Spitfire Fund and the Burnie Prisoner of War fund. He also founded the Sunpolishers' Club at 7BU, which is directed mainly in the interests of children. Mr. Towner is survived by his wife, Ethel Francis, son Rex (Perth, W.A.) and daughters Irene (Mrs. G. Lindsay, Sydney) and Olive (Mrs. H. C. Butler, Hobart). The funeral will be at the Wivenhoe Cemetery tomorrow after a service in the Burnie Baptist Church, beginning at 10 a.m. Mr. A. D. Towner<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971273 |title=MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Obituary for 7BU's first manager <blockquote>'''OBITUARY. Mr. A. D. Towner.''' Mr. Arthur Danesbury Towner, M.B.E., former managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, who died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, on Sunday, was buried in the Wivenhoe Cemetery yesterday. Services were conducted at the Burnie Baptist Church and at the graveside by the Rev. M. D. Brewer. Chief mourners were Mrs. Towner (widow) and daughters, Mesdames H. C. Butler (Hobart) and G. Lindsay (Sydney). His only son, Rex, resides in Perth, W.A. Carriers were Messrs. T. Lord (representing the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations), J. Trethewie, H. C. Butler (son-in-law) and K. A. Findlay. Pallbearers were Messrs. S. Broad, J. D. Spotswood, L. E. Ormerod, B. A. Findlay, A. P. Findlay and D. Charlton. Floral tributes were received from vice-presidents, officers and members of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations (Tasmanian Branch) ; pastor, officers, members and friends, Burnie Baptist Church; proprietors of "The Advocate"; directors, management and staff 7BU, Burnie; directors and staff, 7QT, Queenstown; directors, management and staff 7LA, Launceston; directors, management and staff 7AD, Devonport; directors, management and staff, Findlays Pty. Ltd., head office and branches; Florette Florists; 7BU choir members; management and staff, A.N. A., Burnie; R.S.L. subbranch, Burnie; management and staff, Findlays Pty. Ltd., Burnie; Mia Mia Cafe; members, Young Women's Christian Association, Burnie; Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women; Society for Crippled Children, Launceston; manager and staff, E.S. and A. Bank, Burnie; 7HO commercial station, Hobart; Baptist Women's Auxiliary, Burnie; J. Overall Pty. Ltd. The deceased was very interested in the activities of the Burnie subbranch of the Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women. He was an honorary member for several years and strongly supported all charitable appeals conducted by the subbranch and assisted the legion in an advisory and practical manner.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971544 |title=OBITUARY |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Tasman Lord appointed director of 7BU's licensee company <blockquote>'''Personal.''' Mr. Tasman Lord, of Burnie, manager of 7BU radio station of the Tasmanian Coastal Network, has been appointed a director of Burnie Broadcasting Service Pty. Ltd. Mr. Douglas Charlton, of Devonport, manager of 7AD, has been appointed a director of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The appointments were announced yesterday by Mr. A. P. Findlay, of Launceston, chairman of directors of both companies. Mr. Lord, who is State vice-president of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations, has been associated with 7BU since it began operations in 1935. Mr. Charlton, who is Tasmanian secretary of the federation, had experience on the mainland and was manager of 7DY Derby before taking up his position at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69972434 |title=Personal |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 04===== =====1956 05===== =====1956 06===== =====1956 07===== =====1956 08===== =====1956 09===== =====1956 10===== =====1956 11===== =====1956 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4653726 4653725 2026-07-11T02:08:07Z Samuel.dellit 1387936 /* 1954 12 */ 4653726 wikitext text/x-wiki {{incomplete}} {{TOC right|limit=3}} ==7BU Burnie - Transcriptions and notes== ===Key article copies=== <!-- This section is for duplicates of chronological entries which include detailed biographies --> ===Non-chronological material=== <!-- This section is for non-chronological material, principally genealogical --> ===1900s=== ====1900==== =====1900 01===== =====1900 02===== =====1900 03===== =====1900 04===== =====1900 05===== =====1900 06===== =====1900 07===== =====1900 08===== =====1900 09===== =====1900 10===== =====1900 11===== =====1900 12===== ====1901==== =====1901 01===== =====1901 02===== =====1901 03===== =====1901 04===== =====1901 05===== =====1901 06===== =====1901 07===== =====1901 08===== =====1901 09===== =====1901 10===== =====1901 11===== =====1901 12===== ====1902==== =====1902 01===== =====1902 02===== =====1902 03===== =====1902 04===== =====1902 05===== 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=====1928 06===== =====1928 07===== =====1928 08===== =====1928 09===== =====1928 10===== =====1928 11===== =====1928 12===== ====1929==== =====1929 01===== =====1929 02===== =====1929 03===== =====1929 04===== =====1929 05===== =====1929 06===== =====1929 07===== =====1929 08===== =====1929 09===== =====1929 10===== =====1929 11===== =====1929 12===== ===1930s=== ====1930==== =====1930 01===== =====1930 02===== =====1930 03===== =====1930 04===== =====1930 05===== =====1930 06===== =====1930 07===== =====1930 08===== =====1930 09===== =====1930 10===== =====1930 11===== Findlays, future proprietor of 7BU Burnie, already well established in Burnie, Nov 1930 <blockquote>'''Findlays, The Music People. DEVONPORT, ULVERSTONE, BURNIE AND LAUNCESTON.''' For many years the name of Findlays has been a household word for all that is the best in music, and the appeal to Tasmanians to support a Tasmanian firm has met with a ready response. Findlays are agents for the best pianos in the world, and their stand at the Devonport show was thronged with music-lovers throughout the day. The famous Gulbransen Registering Piano, which registers the human touch, is priced at £225 cash, or reasonable terms of purchase may be arranged. Hundreds of these fine instruments may be found in Tasmanian homes, and they give wonderful satisfaction to their fortunate owners. Another player, the Majestic, made by the well-known firm of Wertheim, is a re-markably handsome and attractive instrument, of fine tone. Findlays are also agents for the Rud Steinmeyer Piano — one of the most famous of German instruments — and Lipp, Bechstein, and many other well-known makes, including the Australian-made Concord and Wertheim. The firm deals extensively in used pianos, and can offer the prospective buyer splendid value and attractive terms. Findlays are agents for H.M.V. and Columbit Gramophones — well known to the public — and carry a large range of the most popular records and latest songs. Radiola, for which Findlays are agents, is deservedly popular among wireless owners, and the sets are manufactured by the builders of the most prominent broadcasting stations throughout Australia. Made to suit Australian conditions, and giving a wonderful natural tone, Radiola commends itself to the Australian public, being tariff free, low in cost, and satisfactory in service. That Tasmanians should support local enterprise and keep their money in the State is this firm's justifiable contention.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67751718 |title=Findlays, The Music People. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local listener in Burnie sends letter to editor complaining over set operator causing interference <blockquote>'''WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE.''' To the Editor. Sir,— For a considerable time now great annoyance has been caused at Burnie by a certain individual in possession of a wireless set who consistently (day and night) goes through a series of howls, screeches, whistles and groans; in fact, it is so persistent that I am convinced that it is intentional. On Sunday night it poured out its vengeance on all and sundry; for over two hours the howl was continuous. I have just about become fed up with my set under such conditions. Others have expressed themselves likewise. In fact it has been impossible to properly listen to any programme for several weeks now, many owners having had to shut off their sets. I can assure the possessor of this nuisance that he is lucky that Guy Fawkes has long since taken his departure from here below. Once it is located, I think listeners will demand a speedy end to their suffering. We appreciate the work of our local enthusiasts on their field day in discovering a hidden station, and we will greatly appreciate a field day (or night) in unearthing this hidden nuisance, close handy in the town. It is our intention to get in touch with the Postal Department to make available one of the experts of this branch to locate the culprit. — Yours, etc., LISTENER. Burnie<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67754115 |title=WIRELESS NUISANCES AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 November 1930 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1930 12===== ====1931==== =====1931 01===== =====1931 02===== =====1931 03===== =====1931 04===== =====1931 05===== Article in Burnie Advocate mentions two Burnie amateurs (7BC and 7LJ) operating from Burnie and assisting 7DR Devonport <blockquote>'''WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. Devonport's Transmitting Station, 7DR. EDUCATIONAL HOBBY.''' Wireless is the greatest wonder of the age, and it is pleasing to find that it is capturing the attention of so many people, particularly young men and youths who find in it a most interesting and educational hobby. For some weeks members of the Devonport Radio Club have been conducting experimental work with a new transmitting apparatus which they have erected, and a remarkable measure of success has been achieved, favorable reports having been received from listeners from all parts of Tasmania, and from places as far distant as the back districts of New South Wales and other mainland States. '''Technical Details.''' The transmitter includes a Shunt Hartley circuit, using a TB04/10 valve oscillator, with a pair of UX 250's in parallel as modulators, employing the Heising system. A Clough system of speech amplification is used. The input of the transmitter is 20 watts. Three thousand volts are available from the power supply gear, and some idea of the strength of the current may be obtained when it is explained that an electric light globe, connected with a couple of turns of wire, will glow brilliantly when held within a foot of the transmitter. The power used at 7DR is exactly 1-250th of that used at 3LO Melbourne, yet it is possible, on the 20 and 40-metre bands, to communicate with any part of the world. The aerial is 100 feet in height. '''Two-Way Conversation.''' At Burnie are two amateur experimental stations — 7BC owned by Mr. Bruce Craw and 7LJ in charge of Mr. L. Jensen. The latter station has been in operation some 12 months or more, and Mr. Jensen has been ever ready to assist the Devonport amateurs with advice. It is interesting to be in the studio and to see those in charge so manipulate the apparatus that they are able to converse with others in the Burnie station. An "Advocate" representative had that privilege one night recently, and the conversation came through as clearly as though it had been by telephone, and with a great deal more force and distinctness. The transmitter, with its red pilot lights, presents a very pleasing appearance. '''Worthy of Support.''' It should be clearly understood that no member of the club makes any profit out of this wireless service. All give their services free, and the enthusiasm is remarkable. Members are out to honor the undertaking given when their license was issued to conduct the station in the interests of research in wireless science. It is a fine thing to see such a number of young men attending night after night conducting experiments, noting the results, and preparing reports. It would be difficult to find a more fascinating pastime, and one which must tend to develop in those engaged in its powers of observation, at the same time educating them in the principles of this wonderful magic of wireless. Members are now engaged constructing an all-wave receiver, and in the near future it is hoped to get in touch with fellow amateurs the world over by means of short wave communication. The support of the public would be appreciated by members. The club's funds have been drained in the purchase of equipment. Are there any readers of "The Advocate" to whom the value of such work as that which is being carried on appeals? Furniture is needed for the studio. The loan of a few chairs or the donation of broken seats which are not beyond repair would be appreciated. Several donations have been received, and donors have earned the gratitude of members. Such enthusiasm deserves encouragement, and members would be greatly heartened by a little practical assistance in the shape of donations of cash, furniture, gramophone records, etc. People in possession of the latter are invited to visit the studio and take with them any records which they desire to have reproduced over the air.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67718534 |title=WIRELESS ENTHUSIASTS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 May 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 06===== =====1931 07===== =====1931 08===== Poor reception of 7ZL Hobart in Burnie and surrounds a future driver for the establishment of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''LETTERS. BROADCASTING. Northern Licence-Holders & 7ZL.''' To the Editor of "The Mercury." Sir,— I congratulate you on your well-balanced subleader of Friday last on 7ZL transmission, in which you put the case for Northern listeners fairly and squarely. It is refreshing to know that your influential journal is alive to our needs, and is prepared to urge early rectification of the State's "A" class broadcasting disabilities. We are not complaining of the studio programmes. Judging by the programmes published the concerts appear to be of very high quality; in fact it is this knowledge that makes Northern listeners so irate, especially when they reflect on the barely audible to mute reception which at present prevails. I repeat that if Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide "A" class programmes are received at such distances with excellent punch (fading excepted) surely we should not tolerate 7ZL being permitted to function in such an indifferent way that two-thirds of the Tasmanian subscribers do not derive a service from it. Station 7ZL was designed for Tasmania, and as such, in view of the comparative smallness of the State, should definitely ensure constant full-toned reception day and night for every listener in the State. Such a service should also definitely eliminate the fading bugbear. Your correspondent "Not Quite Satisfied" strikes the nail on the head. 7ZL's transmitting aerial is on the circumference ot the area to be served, whereas logically it should be at the centre. Were the aerial put on the midland plateau, away from the screening effect of Mt. Wellington or neighbouring hills, 7ZL's transmissions thus would cover the State with full-toned, perfect reception. A tremendous boon would then be cast on the entire State, and Hobart listeners would remember jamming as a matter of historical past. The whole range of Australian and Tasmanian stations would thus be on tap whether sets be north, south, east or west. "Browning Drake" is quite correct when he states that 7ZL is the poorest "A" station in the Commonwealth. A complaint about their reception is justifiable. For instance, a 6-valve up-to-date receiver at Swansea gets 7ZL poorly by day and cannot raise it at night. A 5-valve De Forrest set at Scottsdale gets Hobart in the same fashion as does the Swansea set. Yet a two-valve at Scottsdale brings in speaker reception of stations as far off as 4QR, mainland, only. Hobart simply is not on this little set's dial. In Launceston a screened grid 3-valve cannot do any good with 7ZL, and a 6-valve Radiola is in the same boat. The 6-valve gets 7ZL occasionally during daylight in an indifferent way; one has to sit on the speaker almost. At night 7ZL is very erratic. Even when it can be heard reception is consistently bad, blurring, distortion and extraneous noises continually coming through. The position at Stanley, Burnie, and Mole Creek is similar. In fact, in Northern Tasmania, when one speaks wireless one never thinks of Hobart or 7ZL, as their reception is so consistently bad that for all practical purposes 7ZL is off the dial! If some dictator could, by a wave of some magic wand, permit listeners to sign their licence money over to any station from which they respectively receive best service, then I am afraid 7ZL would do a financial freeze, and although only a "B" class station, 7LA Launceston would be able to give us less of the fox trot and more of the solo quality music so much desired. In view of this magic boost which listeners' licences would give it. Perhaps such a suggestion will awaken the A.B.C. officials and the P.M.G. officials from their quite unjustifiable slumber. C. A. GORDAN. Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29922420 |title=LETTERS |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXXXV, |issue=19,986 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=28 August 1931 |accessdate=4 October 2025 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 09===== =====1931 10===== 7BC Craw, a Burnie amateur broadcaster, provides an excellent exhibit for the Burnie Show 1931 <blockquote>'''Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. RADIO EXPERT, BURNIE.''' It was said that the outstanding radio exhibit on the ground was that of Bruce Craw. It had a distinctly local appeal insofar as there was installed an electric pickup for records. This operated throughout the day, to the great satisfaction of bystanders. Mr. Craw had also microphones installed from his own well-known 7BC broadcasting station, a novel attraction which was much appreciated. Airway 3-valve all-electric sets, of which there are scores operating efficiently in the district, were on show, the price being £29/10/, a very low cost for such an up-to-date set. Battery sets, suitable for country folk, fully guaranteed, were shown at low prices. Mr. Craw gives unflagging service for his wireless sets, and these are fully guaranteed for 12 months. He may be seen at his Wilson Street premises, and demonstrations will be arranged to suit the public. Clients may rely on not only purchasing what is regarded as one of the most efficient and up-to-date radio sets on the market, but at the same time receiving service of a satisfactory nature in the control and regulation of the sets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67883159 |title=Bruce Craw, N.W.I.A. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 October 1931 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1931 11===== =====1931 12===== ====1932==== =====1932 01===== =====1932 02===== =====1932 03===== =====1932 04===== =====1932 05===== =====1932 06===== =====1932 07===== =====1932 08===== =====1932 09===== =====1932 10===== 7BU predecessors 7BC and 7LJ first advised that broadcast band transmissions must cease, then advised by WIA that order rescinded <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Amateur Wireless Stations:''' Following a circular received from the chief inspector of radio by all amateur wireless transmitters, many listeners to Burnie's experimental stations VK7BC and VK7LJ were disappointed when it was learned that all transmissions by amateurs on the broadcast band must cease. However Messrs. Bruce Craw and L. Jensen, the respective owners and operators of the stations mentioned, have now been advised by the Wireless Institute of Australia, of which they are members, that permission has been obtained from the chief radio inspector for them to continue amateur transmissions. Listeners, therefore, can look forward to hearing both stations at the usual hours tomorrow.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67980136 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1932 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1932 11===== =====1932 12===== ====1933==== =====1933 01===== =====1933 02===== In a letter to the editor of the Burnie Advocate, a Burnie listener complains of porr wireless reception <blockquote>'''Wireless Reception.''' To the Editor. Sir,— I have followed with interest the various letters and reports re wireless stations in Tasmania. As far as news is concerned, by far the greater part of the sets in use in the North-West can receive nothing but Melbourne news, and the North-West is practically a radio suburb of Melbourne. Even with the high-class programmes available from the mainland, we are too often shut out from them by static, while our local stations are not sufficiently strong to give us anything like good reception or good programmes, since their range of choice is so limited. One powerful relay station centrally situated would meet all Tasmania's requirements, provided that Tasmanian news and matters of particularly Tasmanian interest were given, and programmes taken by telephone from the national network. That seems to be the crux of the matter. We cannot hope to give the same quality of programme as comes from the mainland, and a telephone is the only reliable means of giving Tasmanian listeners the chance to hear these excellent programmes to advantage.— Yours, etc., SMALL SET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68002903 |title=Wireless Reception. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 February 1933 |accessdate=5 October 2025 |page=9 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1933 03===== =====1933 04===== =====1933 05===== =====1933 06===== =====1933 07===== =====1933 08===== =====1933 09===== =====1933 10===== =====1933 11===== =====1933 12===== ====1934==== =====1934 01===== =====1934 02===== =====1934 03===== =====1934 04===== =====1934 05===== =====1934 06===== =====1934 07===== =====1934 08===== =====1934 09===== =====1934 10===== =====1934 11===== =====1934 12===== ====1935==== =====1935 01===== =====1935 02===== Initially announced details for 7BU Burnie as part of the 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS. Wave Length Changes. NEW FREQUENCIES.''' (By N. M. GODDARD, B.E.) Notice has been given by the Postmaster-General's Department to the owners and licensees of all broadcasting stations in Australia that on and after September 1, 1935, the wave lengths and frequencies set out in the first two columns of the table below must be used. Until that date stations will operate on the present channels, which are shown in the last two columns. There are now 66 channels used by 72 stations which are in operation or which will shortly commence. When all the national and commercial stations now authorised are in service 79 channels will be used in 88 stations. Thirty-six of the existing transmitters will not move from the present allocations, and 36 will move by varying amounts. Sixteen new assignments indicated by blanks in the last two columns have been made. These alterations will have the effect of moving the positions at which most stations appear on the dials of receivers, but they will not necessitate any structural alterations in sets which have been designed to include in their tuning range the full width of the broadcasting band. That is from 200m to 545m (1500kc to 550kc). Where dials or receivers are marked with numbers, wave lengths, or kilocycles only there will be no more inconvenience than learning the new number, wave length, or frequency of each station, but there will probably be confusion in the case of sets which have the station call signs permanently engraved on their dials. For instance, 2FC under the new arrangement will come in where 3AR is heard now. 2CO will practically take 2FC's place. 2BL will move to a channel which is only one below 5CL's present position. 2GB will move up to a point a channel and a half below 2BL's present wave length, and 2UE will take 2GB's place. 2KY will almost coincide with 2UE's old wave length. 2UW will move to that now used by 2HD. 2CH will move up two channels and 2NC will come up by 1½ channels but 2SM remains where it is. The general effect apart from such troubles that may arise with marked dials should be to improve matters in the neighbourhood of Sydney, as the band between 2FC and 2SM has been enlarged and the stations between them more evenly distributed. This will make matters easier or relatively inselective receivers. Of the country commercial stations, 2CA, 2WG, 2XN, 2BH, 2GN, 2KO, 2WL, and 2AY are either unchanged or will move by only an inappreciable amount, while 2HD, 2GF, 2MO, and 2TM will move by greater amounts. New channels have been provided for the stations to be operated at Katoomba, Bega, and in the southern and central districts. Outside this State, 3AR goes to a point near that now used by 5CK. 3LO takes the channel next below that now used by 4QG, which moves to 3LO's old allocation. 5CK makes a minute change. 6WF, 5CL, and 4RK remain as they are. 7ZL moves down one channel. The channels allotted to the new national transmitters soon to come into operation at Lawrence (2NR) and Cumnock (2CR) in New South Wales and in Victoria (3WV and 3GI) Western Australia (6WA and 6GF), Queensland (4QN), and Tasmania (7NT) are also shown in the table. No provision has yet been made for the five or six new national transmitters, the construction of which was forecast a few weeks ago, but it is stated that in the near future additional stations may be added to channels already occupied, which number 79 out of the total of 96 available. There are difficulties in the way of using the whole of the remaining 17; for example, New Zealand stations. The revised and present wave length allocations are: '''New Channel. Station. Present Channel. K.C. Metres K.C. Metres.''' * 1360 221 2BH, Broken Hill 1360 221 * 1360 221 4PM, Port Moresby - - * 1360 221 7BU, Burnie 1360 221 <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17171963 |title=WIRELESS. |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,306 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=20 February 1935 |accessdate=11 October 2025 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 03===== Early mention of establishment of B Class station for Burnie <blockquote>'''"B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. Will Be On Air By End of June.''' A start will be made with the erection of a "B" class wireless station at Burnie within the next few weeks, and the station will be on the air by the end of June, or at the latest early in July. The station is being erected by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., who already have stations at Hobart and Launceston. The broadcasting license has already been granted. The station, when completed, will be linked up with those at Hobart and Launceston, and, important events at either Hobart, Launceston or Burnie will be relayed over the network, while it is also proposed to enter into negotiations with a mainland "B" class station to rebroadcast mainland racing, etc. This information was released last evening by Mr. A. D. Towner, Burnie manager for Findlays Pty. Ltd., who stated that the enterprise of the firm would prove of benefit to wireless listeners in the Burnie district. Already the matter of programmes was being gone into, it being proposed to set a high standard. '''UP-TO-DATE PLANT.''' Mr. Towner said that the station would be one of the most up-to-date in Australia, all the latest improvements in plant being included, and it would be so constructed that the addition of television would be possible when that branch of wireless was perfected. There was no need, said Mr. Towner, for listeners to worry about the Burnie station interfering with reception from other "A" and "B" class stations, as the broadcasting stations of today, as well as receiving sets, were very selective.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91723263 |title="B" Class Wireless Station for Burnie. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 March 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 04===== Brief history of Findlays, licensee of 7BU, 7LA and 7HO <blockquote>'''MUSIC FOR ALL. How Findlays Expanded.''' Music is the finest, yet the cheapest, luxury of the nation. A life devoted to music is never wasted, provided that there is aptitude, and a business firm which concentrates its energies on making or distributing the medium for musical expression is a valuable asset to the community. Such a firm is Findlays Pty. Ltd. It is now over 54 years since the firm was established, when in 1881 a shipment of pianos was forwarded to Mr. A. Munnew, whose commercial ability soon gave the business a firm hold in the city and Tasmania generally. It was not long before trade increased and larger premises became a necessity. Consequently a move was made to George-street. The next stage of development was reached when Mr. P. A. Findlay entered the partnership in 1897. In 1907 Mr. Findlay became sole proprietor. In the same year his son, Mr. A. P. Findlay, entered the business, and is now general manager. Branches Opened The expansion of the business continued, and in the same year a branch was opened at Hobart. Messrs. N. A. and S. H. Findlay, the second and third sons of Mr. Findlay, joined the firm in 1910. Mr. S. H. Findlay today controls the Hobart Office and Mr. N. A. Findlay manages Messrs. Wills and Co. Pty. Ltd., Launceston. Mr. Findlay watched with interest the advancement of the North-West Coast. In 1917 he opened a branch at Burnie, and this was quickly followed by another at Devonport. The increasing demand for pianos, players, musical instruments, music, gramophones, records, and player rolls had become so large in 1918 that it was decided to form a limited company. This business continued to expand and in 1925 the firm took over the large premises that they at present occupy in Launceston. The firm today are agents for all well-known makes of pianos and players and Radiola wireless sets. Other Activities Findlays also own and control 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart B class broadcasting stations, and are at present having constructed another B class station at Burnie. A new departure for the firm was the opening recently of a modern sports department. Every house has its foundation. Every business has its principles. The House of Findlay has founded a reputation for keeping only high-class stock at reasonable prices, and the heads of departments have undergone a complete training in their respective occupations, as well as having gained experience in allied activities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51926794 |title=MUSIC FOR ALL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=23 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 April 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=12 (DAILY : THE EXAMINER PIONEER SUPPLEMENT) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Ad for AWA Radiola receivers from Findlays mentions 7BU Burnie coming soon <blockquote>'''This is.... LONDON CALLING!''' A clear and undistorted message radiating around Wilson St. nearly every afternoon, arresting the attention and surprising all who are within range. AND THEN Follows a programme of news, melody and wit, right from the LONDON STUDIO of the B.B.C. into the CENTRE OF BURNIE — Through the medium of the new 1935 ALL-WAVE AWA RADIOLA The radio masterpiece of all radio history. A.W.A., always to the forefront of radio production, now offers the new season's models of medium and all-wave sets in both electric and battery models at prices ranging from ........ 15 to 42 GUINEAS A SET TO SUIT EVERY PURSE AND PURPOSE. All the latest worthwhile developments of radio production and many exclusive features are incorporated in each model. For trouble-free undistorted reception from ALL OVER THE WORLD, let your choice be RADIOLA. WHERE RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL THEN IT'S ALWAYS AN A.W.A. UNIT. Write or call for latest information and designs. Demonstrations gladly given in your own home and easy terms can be arranged. FINDLAYS - BURNIE ('Phone 268) Broadcasting Stations: 7H.O. Hobart, 7B.U. Burnie (soon), 7L.A. Launceston<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91713789 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 April 1935 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 05===== Update on construction of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . 7BU Burnie: Work is well in hand in the construction of the "B" class radio station to be termed 7BU Burnie, to be operated by Messrs. Findlay Pty. Ltd. The station will be situated in Wilson street, in Messrs. Findlay's building. The plant is now being set up, and it is hoped the station will be on the air by the beginning of July. The plant is to incorporate all the latest radio developments, and a 120ft. steel mast will be erected over the studio.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91735542 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 06===== Burnie Choral Society to be broadcast as part of the opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Choral Society: The Choral Society is at present practising for a concert which it is to give in the Theatre early in July, in aid of local charities. It is understood that the "B" class wireless station at present in course of construction for Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. will be completed by that date, and that the concert will be broadcast. An official of the society stated recently that many congratulatory remarks had been made concerning the acoustic properties of the Burnie Theatre, but a slight improvement was desired to make it suitable for choral concerts. For singers like Peter Dawson, he said, who stood at the front of the stage, the theatre's sounding properties were excellent, but when it came to a choir, which was forced to occupy the back as well as the front, much of the music was lost in the big space above the stage, and it did not reach the auditorium. He suggested that an adjustable sounding-board be placed over the top of the stage like a ceiling. Such a board could be built very cheaply. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91708657 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> P&T Dept proceeds with transfer of overhead telephone wires to underground, to avoid interference from the 7BU radiation <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Underground Cables: A start was made yesterday by the staff of the Post and Telegraph Department in laying underground cables in Wilson street, in the vicinity of Findlay's shop. This work is the outcome of the new "B" class wireless station being erected by Findlay's. There were a large number of telephone wires radiating from a pole at the back of the premises, near where one of the aerial masts of the new wireless station is to be erected. It was feared that the telephone wires, being so close to the aerial, would interfere with the station, and vice versa. At the last meeting of the town committee of the Council advice was received from the Postmaster-General's Department stating the intention to lay the underground cable, and that the work would be gone on with if no objection was raised within seven days. The Council decided to raise no objection, conditionally on the department paying the cost of replacing the footpath.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91731675 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 June 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 07===== As previous <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Underground Cables:''' A start was made yesterday by officers of the Post and Telegraph staff in laying underground telephone cables along Marine Terrace between Catley and Wilmot streets. Last week underground cables were laid along the east side of Wilson street, and when the present work is completed all overhead telegraph wires in this section of the town will be done away with. This work has been made necessary by the installation of a wireless station by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. at the back of their premises in Wilson street. Formerly the telegraph wires serving the block bounded by Wilson, Catley and Mount streets and Marine Terrace radiated from poles near the back of Findlay's premises, but it was considered that with the erection of a wireless aerial mast interference would be caused, so it was decided by the department to place the wires underground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86558606 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's manager notes potential interference to 3KZ will be resolved by restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' In denying that the new wireless station 7BU would interfere with the reception of other stations, the manager for Findlay's Pty. Ltd (Mr. A. D. Towner) stated yesterday that the idea was ridiculous, and those who believed it had no knowledge of the latest receiving sets or broadcasting equipment. At present the only possible station with which 7BU would interfere was 3KZ, and this would be rectified in September, when 3KZ would be moved further up the wave belt. As the position of 7BU was 221 metres, or 1360 kilocycles, owners of wireless sets even right in the town would be able to listen to other stations if they desired. Any person still feeling dubious would be given further information on application to Findlay's. The main object of the Burnie station, said Mr. Towner, was to give listeners on the N.W. Coast a really good "B" class programme without static or interference. The Burnie station, together with the new national station at Kelso, would give the North-West Coast a radio service equal to that of any district in Australia, he concluded.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554494 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Installation commences of first antenna mast for 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Masts:''' A start was made yesterday afternoon with the erection of the larger of the two masts which are to carry the aerial for 7BU, the new "B" class radio station being fitted up at their premises in Wilson street by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. The large mast, which is 120 feet long, is built of wood with a hollow centre, the contractor being Mr. H. Wood. For several days past preparations have been going ahead for the erection of the mast, and everything was in readiness for the first hoist early yesterday afternoon. A large number of people gathered at the back of the Bay View Hotel to watch the progress, which necessarily was very slow. The task proved delicate, as the unwieldy wooden casing was inclined to buckle and twist whenever any strain was placed on it. By means of block and tackle, assisted by a number of men with wire stays on the roofs of adjacent buildings, the mast was lifted an inch at a time under the supervision of Mr. Wood. After each hoist the stays had to be readjusted to take the strain off the mast itself, and the job was very slow. By 5 o'clock the mast had reached an angle of 45 degrees, when work had to be stopped because of approaching darkness. It was then lashed securely for the night, and this morning the work will be proceeded with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86544604 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Progress on construction of 7BU ceases due to rough weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast:''' Owing to the rough weather yesterday no further progress could be made with the erection of the big wireless aerial mast at the back of Findlay's Pty. Ltd., in Wilson Street, for the new "B" class wireless station, and the mast remains anchored at an angle of 45 degrees. It is hoped, however to complete the erection of the mast at the weekend, so that the construction of the station can be gone ahead with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86560798 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1935 |accessdate=12 October 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU's first mast, installation completed <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Mast Erected:''' The erection of the first of the two wireless masts to carry the aerial for the new "B" class wireless station being fitted up by Messrs Findlay's Pty., Ltd. was completed yesterday. Built of wood, the mast is 120 feet high. On Thursday the mast was raised to an angle of 45 degrees, but owing to difficulties cropping up it was not until yesterday morning that another effort to hoist the mast could be attempted. Shortly after 8 o'clock a large gang of men commenced work, and by midday the mast had been erected, with only the supporting stays to be made fast. The second of the two masts is now ready for erection, and it is expected that a start will be made with this at the weekend. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571283 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1935 |accessdate=16 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 08===== 7BU's second mast is erected without a hitch <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE. SECOND MAST ERECTED.''' The second of the two 120ft. aerial masts for the new Burnie "B" class broadcasting station 7BU was erected by the contractor, Mr. H. Wood, yesterday. Although it was several days from the beginning of operations before the first mast was hoisted, the experience gained was valuable, and not a hitch occurred in the erection of the second mast. It is believed good progress is being made with the installation of the equipment at the station, which is expected to be on the air shortly.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30099462 |title=7BU BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,213 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 August 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU construction delayed by bad weather <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Owing to the bad weather of the past few weeks there has been delay in some of the outside work attached to the building of the "B" class wireless station, 7BU, which is being installed at the buildings of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. in Wilson street. The equipment of the station is, however, nearing completion, and some preliminary tests have been made. It is hoped that the station will be on the air in September. An entirely new system of electrical recreation of music was recently introduced in America, by which every minute characteristic is reproduced exactly as performed. This system gives an entirely new conception of broadcast music, and the plant of 7HO, Hobart, is being reconstructed to provide for it. A similar plant is on its way to Burnie, to be incorporated in the equipment of 7BU. One of the main features of 7BU's programme will be a farmers' session, to be given each day between 12 and 2 p.m. During this session information will be broadcast, and permission has been granted for broadcasting special market information; received by telegrams from various parts of the mainland. Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of the new station, said yesterday that reference was recently made in the press to the wave length of 7BU, in which it was stated that the station was on the same wave length as two other Australian stations. That, he said, was not correct, as the wave length arranged for the new station would not clash with any other stations on the air. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564626 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 August 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 09===== 7BU to carry programming for farmers <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Special Farmers' Service:''' Referring yesterday to the letter written by Colonel J. P. Clark, president of the Devonport Tourist Association to the Tasmanian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, requesting that market reports should be broadcast from 7NT, an official of 7BU, the Burnie "B" class wireless station now in course of construction, stated that the management of that station had made special arrangements to broadcast every day, between 12 noon and 2 p.m., most comprehensive market reports of particular interest to farmers of the North-West Coast. That had been made possible by very special concessions being granted to the station by the P.M.G.'s department, and the exact conditions prevailing on the Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle markets at 11 a.m. would be given over the air from the Burnie station. The management had realised that such information was desirable for the farming community, which formed such an important part of the North-West Coast, and had gone to considerable expense in making arrangements for up-to-the-minute market reports. Special arrangements had also been made to broadcast interesting market news from various Tasmanian centres, and in addition, a comprehensive report of stock sales would also be broadcast. Although the programme of the new station would be arranged to suit the musical tastes of everyone, and would be along the same lines as those of 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart); 7BU would give a service to farmers equal to if not better than any other "B" class station in the Commonwealth. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568874 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU already testing, no definite timing for commencement <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' It was stated yesterday by an official of 7BU, the new "B" class wireless station, that it was impossible at present to make definite announcement as to when the station would be on the air; that depended on the success of the tests which were now taking place. However, it was hoped that the station would be officially opened within the next few weeks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86573561 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Complaints about the impact of the 1 Sep 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''Wireless Troubles:''' A number of owners of wireless sets complain that the alteration of wave lengths, which came into force on September 1, has thrown many sets out of gear, as it were. On Saturday the opinion of wireless experts was secured, and they stated that, because of the altered wave lengths, it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver, designed and built to meet the conditions. Mr. F. Spurr stated that, unless a receiver was well constructed, the conditions from now on would gradually become worse, as more stations were put on the air. The position in a nutshell was that many people were trying to tune in on stations operating on wave lengths up to 475 kilocycles with sets limited to 165 and 175 kilocycles, with the consequence that they were unable to separate many stations. With sets of five valves and over the problem could be overcome to a certain extent by reducing the aerial to 60 feet over all, including the lead-in, and making the earth wire as short as possible, which would tend to increase the selectivity in most cases from 25 to 50 per cent.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86554258 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=9 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> In the lead up to commencement of 7BU, complaints emerge as to ability of receivers to separate the stations <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to a statement made by wireless agents in Burnie when giving their opinion of the new wave lengths, and which appeared in a paragraph in yesterday's "Advocate." The agents state that because of the altered wave lengths it was necessary to have an up-to-date receiver to meet the altered conditions. This statement is ridiculous. I myself have an up-to-date receiver, bought only a couple of months ago, and I know of others that have been bought in the last few weeks, all up-to-date receivers, and these are not able to separate many of the stations, because the majority of them are so closely packed, while in some cases we find two stations on the one wave length. As an instance, there is a station in New Zealand broadcasting on the same wave length as 5CK Crystal Brook, while 3AR is very close handy. Then there is the new Tasmanian station 7NT within two degrees of 2BL Sydney. 7NT comes in so strongly that it has a "spread" of about four degrees, with the result it swamps 2BL, and the latter is a good station. 2KY, 3DB and 3HA are all within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. There are other cases I could quote if space would allow. How are the wireless agents going to separate these stations, particularly those on the same wave length? It cannot be done, no matter how up-to-date or selective their sets may be. The sets now in operation are quite selective enough to bring in the majority of Australian stations, but they are prevented from doing so at present by the hopeless muddle that has been made of the new wave lengths. We do not pay a license for this treatment, listeners, so let us send a strong protest to the right quarter, and demand that the wave lengths be again altered, or some of the smaller stations cut out. There are far too many stations on the air.— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86543244 |title=Public Opinion |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 September 1935 |accessdate=22 November 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMG acknowledges possible need to adjust some frequencies after 1935 restack <blockquote>'''CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS.''' Complaints of Bad Reception INVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. MELBOURNE, Wednesday.— Complaints of bad wireless reception following the change in wave lengths are to be investigated, the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) said today. He will discuss the matter with the chief inspector of wireless. Senator McLachlan said that as far as he knew the change had been successful, but possibly some minor alteration might have to be made.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555797 |title=CHANGE OF WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the Editor of the Advocate by 7BU Manager Towner <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Under the heading "Wireless Troubles" you publish a letter signed "Radio Fan," who refers to statements made by "wireless agents." May I suggest that it would be much more to the point if "Radio Fan" stated exactly who he meant, and also sign his own name. Dealing with his letter, however, I know of some quite old sets, the owners of which claim that they can separate the stations with a fair amount of success; on the other hand, the super sensitivity of some modern sets so increases the range that confusion is apparent in certain instances. I regret to note that 5CK is set a little too close to 3AR for some sets, but confusion is due to the fact that 3AR is a very broad carrier, which no doubt will be sharpened up very soon. I could also similarly criticise 7NT and 2BL, and go into details regarding other stations. I would urge "Radio Fan," and others finding difficulties, to be patient. The department is fully aware of these difficulties, and is doing all that it can, and those who know a little about them can sympathise with the engineers whose duty it is to overcome them. The following information may enlighten some of your readers: The frequency upon which a station operates depends entirely upon the accuracy of a quartz crystal, ground to a specified frequency. The most minute variation in physical proportions is sufficient to upset the adjustment, and thus throw the station off its frequency. To indicate that the department is fully aware of these difficulties, the following is an extract from a communication recently received in connection with 7BU: "With the increasing number of stations, it becomes imperative to have more attention paid to the maintenance of the authorised frequency of all stations. As in other countries we have now reached a stage of development where a much closer adherance to the authorised frequency is necessary than has been the general practice in the past. You are doubtless aware that the standard in Europe and America is a permissible tolerance of only 50 cycles plus or minus off the assigned channel. This is the standard at which we must now aim." Some interesting experiments were made with the large broadcasting aerial erected for 7BU during the last weekend, with the result that although far distant stations were picked up more easily, and came in at greater strength, it was just as easy to separate the stations as with a moderate aerial, so that apparently length of aerial is not everything in gaining selectivity.— Yours, etc., ARTHUR D. TOWNER. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555965 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In reply to "Radio Fan" (Burnie), in Tuesday's issue of "The Advocate," who states that it is ridiculous for agents to contend that it is necessary to have up-to-date receivers to meet the altered conditions, I would like to invite him to a demonstration on a good receiver which meets the altered conditions. This demonstration would be given with pleasure, and the results should prove conclusive. If the receiver is only two months old, and will not separate 2BL from 7NT, etc., and take four degrees to tune out 7NT, then it certainly requires realigning on a signal generator. If the receiver will not align correctly, it cannot be termed a good one, and all sets cannot be judged on the performance of any one receiver. Furthermore, to indicate the qualities of a good receiver, I am prepared to demonstrate receivers sold two years ago which still meet the present conditions perfectly.— Yours, etc., V. F. SPURR. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555839 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another Letter to the Editor of the Advocate <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Much is being said and written re the change of wave lengths of broadcasting stations. An erroneous paragraph appeared in your news columns on Monday, followed by the bemoaning in Tuesday's issue of a disappointed purchaser of a receiver alleged to be of up-to-date design. I would just like to remind "Radio Fan" that many things besides radio receivers are manufactured and marketed as of "modern" or "up-to-date" design, and yet are inefficient. Despite what "Radio Fan" has to say, there are receivers on the market quite capable of separating Australian stations on their present wave lengths. Any reputable dealer would be quite ready to demonstrate this fact. One must compliment "Radio Fan" on his straight-forwardness in admitting that lie, presumably knowing the change was coming purchased a receiver which will not "do the job." Most owners, I am sorry to say, are loth to admit that their purchase has any faults. No matter what has been said and will be said on the matter, one is really only paying a license to listen to the programmes from the local "A" class station. Whether 2BL can be received or not, will have little concern for at least 90 per cent. of listeners in Tasmania. But there again, it seems to have been human nature from the time of Adam to covet and cry for that which is not meant for us.— Yours, etc., FAIR THINKER. Penguin.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86555837 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Results of 1935 Restack <blockquote>'''Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." 7NT Obliterates 2BL.''' CANBERRA, Friday. Senator McLachlan's offer to investigate the recent wireless wavelength rearrangements is welcomed at Canberra, where the new scheme has resulted in dissatisfaction, even among owners of new and powerful sets. One result of the reallocation is almost entirely to block out Station 2BL Sydney, which is obliterated by the powerful new regional station 7NT Tasmania. Many local listeners say that 2CO, 2FC, 5CK and 3AR are hopelessly jammed together, and that they are now compelled to rely almost entirely on "B" class stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86551872 |title=Wireless Stations "Hopelessly Jammed Together." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=7 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> "Radio Fan" chimes in again to the chain of Letters to the Editor <blockquote>'''Wireless Troubles.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Allow me space to reply to Mr. Towner, Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" (Penguin). I evidently touched a sore spot when I denied the contention that we needed up-to-date receivers to overcome the change of wave lengths. I still stick to that statement, and in this Mr. Towner supports me; he also criticises the same stations as I did in my previous letter. May I point out that we have two different opinions from wireless agents, both contradicting each other. Dealing with "Fair Thinker's" letter, he tells me not to judge everybody's set by my own, and states that owners are loth to admit faults in their sets; yet in the same breath he is condemning everybody's set as useless, while his own is quite good. He also makes the statement that we pay a license to listen to "A" class stations only. If this suits "Fair Thinker" it does not suit us; we pay a license to listen to any station we wish, and if he is in the habit of listening to only "A" class stations this accounts for thinking his particular make of receiver is all right. I would point out to both Mr. Spurr and "Fair Thinker" that I am not the only one complaining of the altered wave lengths; there are thousands of others both in Tasmania and on the mainland complaining of bad reception, and on up-to-date receivers, too. Three letters on the subject appeared in the Melbourne "Sun" of Friday, September 7. The first states the new wave lengths are causing trouble over a wide area, and this particular writer states he is experiencing trouble with a hitherto faultless set; if the efficiency of expensive sets be lowered to that of the simplest and cheapest, the trade and revenue will suffer. Another writer, from Hamilton, complains that before the alteration they could get any "A" or "B" class station perfectly after 6 p.m. with an expensive set; now they can't even get 3LO or 3AR without some other station coming in also. '''3DB is cut out by Hamilton.''' The third one is from Camberwell, and says they are now unable to separate 3LO or 3AR on up-to-date sets from several other good stations, particularly Crystal Brook and Tasmania. Do the new wave lengths mean that a monopoly of "A" class broadcasts is being forced upon us? I would refer your correspondents to an article in Thursday's "Advocate" in which the P.M.G. states he has received complaints of bad reception from everywhere (on up-to-date sets), and that some alteration will have to be made. Does not this prove conclusively to your correspondents that our sets are not faulty in construction, but that the fault is that of the new wave lengths?— Yours, etc., RADIO FAN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571090 |title=Wireless Troubles. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=16 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Further response to Restack 1935 review <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference:''' Wireless set owners complain of the interference which has been caused as a result of the changes in wavelengths. Some sets have been rendered practically valueless, and reception generally has been badly upset. Even on some of the latest sets it is impossible to separate many of the stations, with the result that the selection of programmes has been greatly reduced. The recent announcement in "The Advocate" by the Postmaster-General (Senator McLachlan) that experts are dealing with the matter of confused reception was received with satisfaction. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559648 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=4 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PMGD advises further changes unlikely to the 1935 restack <blockquote>'''WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. Change Improbable. NATIONAL PLAN.''' MELBOURNE, Monday. In spite of complaints of bad reception, it is improbable there will be any further change in the wireless wavelengths. This was indicated today by the Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown). He said the Department was keeping in close touch with the effect of the changes, and it was recognised that people in certain areas could not get the same service as they previously enjoyed. In most places, however, they were getting more satisfactory and effective services than before. It had to be remembered that the new wavelength plan was a national one, covering the whole of the Commonwealth, and was to provide for the expansion of the services. The department would be very reluctant to make any changes that would disturb the plan. He added that if the conditions pointed to the necessity for some slight adjustment this obviously would be made. It would be with the greatest reluctance, however, that any alteration would be made. It was pointed out that 7NT Tasmania, reception from which was interfered with by 3LO Melbourne, was not intended to serve Melbourne listeners. Latest figures show that at August 31 there were 736,600 licences in force in Australia, the increase during the month being 6641.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86559568 |title=WIRELESS WAVE LENGTHS. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=5 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Protests about Restack 1935 supported by Queenstown council <blockquote>'''NEW WAVE-LENGTHS Ineffective and Unsatisfactory. Protest at Queenstown.''' "That the recent reallocation of wavelengths instituted by the Government was definitely detrimental to broadcast reception" was the opinion expressed at the meeting of the Queenstown Council on Thursday night. It was decided on behalf of the people of the municipality to make a vigorous protest, deprecating the change. Cr. Faull expressed regret at the reallocation of wave lengths which had been made. The Postal Director (Mr. H. P. Brown) stated in his broadcast prior to the changeover that the change was going to have a beneficial effect on reception. The results had been exactly opposite. Sets purchased more than six months ago were now inefficient. Effective radio reception had been spoilt, and receivers had depreciated at least 50 per cent in value. He expressed the hope that the whole matter would be reviewed by the Federal Government. He considered the change ineffective, unsatisfactory and made without due regard to the effects on the listening public. The Warden (Cr. J. H. Bowskill) concurred with Cr. Faull, and stated that the change had definitely interfered with reception. Cr. Walker moved that the council, on behalf of the ratepayers of the municipality, make an emphatic protest to the authorities regarding the reallocation of wave lengths. Tasmania was being victimised, he said. The motion was seconded by Cr. Hunniford and carried.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550117 |title=NEW WAVE-LENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 September 1935 |accessdate=25 December 2025 |page=10 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 10===== 7BU transmitter extensively tested in Launceston, presumably on air <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Broadcasting Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" Class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and it is expected that the station will be on the air within the next few weeks. The aerial has been completed, and the finishing touches are being given to the two studios, one of which will be absolutely sound-proof. The transmitting equipment, which for some weeks past has been undergoing severe tests in Launceston, was brought to Burnie this week, and is now being installed at the station. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571870 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU testing, Towner to Sydney to finalise programming arrangements <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''New Wireless Station:''' Preliminary tests of the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, were conducted at very low power on Saturday, and proved highly satisfactory. The local manager of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. D. Towner), who has charge of the new station, left Burnie by the Nairana on Saturday night for Sydney to finalise arrangements for broadcasting daily a special farmers' market session. Mr. Towner stated before leaving that it was almost certain the new station would be officially opened on October 19, but a public announcement would be made immediately upon his return from Sydney. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86541011 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> PM Lyons to visit Burnie for opening of 7BU <blockquote>'''PERSONAL.''' . . . The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) will visit Burnie next Saturday to open the new wireless station. He may return to the mainland by boat the same night, or spend the weekend at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51958852 |title=PERSONAL |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCIV, |issue=183 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=14 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU official opening to be Saturday 19 Oct 1935, initial wavelength 216 metres but only temporary <blockquote>'''BURNIE. New Wireless Station:''' The fitting up of the "B" class wireless station 7BU is now nearing completion, and the station will be officially opened by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) at 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. Every listener in Tasmania will be given an opportunity to listen to the ceremony, as it will be rebroadcast through 7LA (Launceston) and 7HO (Hobart). Over 100 invitions to be present at the opening have been issued, and among those who have accepted are Lieutenant-Colonel L. R. Thomas, Tasmanian manager for the Australian Broadcasting Commission; Mr. J. E. Monfries, Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs; Mr. E. J. G. Bowden, Deputy-Radio Inspector; State members of Parliament, and representatives of local authorities. The wave length for the official opening will be 216 metres. This, however, will be only temporary, as the final wave length for the station has not yet been definitely fixed, owing to the recent changes. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86565905 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''PRIME MINISTER EN ROUTE TO TASMANIA.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Mr. Lyons) left Canberra this evening for Melbourne, and will leave there tomorrow for Tasmania. On Saturday night, he will open a new B class wireless broadcasting station at Burnie (Tas.). He will return to Canberra on Wednesday morning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17214190 |title=PRIME MINISTER |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |issue=30,512 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=10 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Parliament not to adjourn for Melbourne Cup <blockquote>'''WILL MISS MELBOURNE CUP. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT TO SIT.''' CANBERRA, Thursday. Prior to leaving Canberra tonight for Tasmania, where he will open a new wireless station at Burnie on Saturday night, Mr. Lyons announced that Parliament will not adjourn for the Melbourne Cup. A sitting will take place even on the day of the race. Members of the Labor and Government Parties both protested loudly against the proposal to adjourn for Cup week.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276033197 |title=WILL MISS MELBOUNRE CUP |newspaper=[[Border Morning Mail]] |volume=XXXI, |issue=9461 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons departs Canberra en route to Burnie to open 7BU <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, the Prime Minister, left Canberra last evening for Melbourne, on his way to Burnie, where he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU, tomorrow evening. Mr. Lyons will return to Canberra on Tuesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86564039 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons arrives in Melbourne and soon departs for Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN. Personal Paragraphs.''' . . . MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at Melbourne yesterday from Canberra, and left in the afternoon by the Nairana for Burnie, where this evening he will open the new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU. He will return to Melbourne on Tuesday and leave the same day for Canberra.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86568062 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Detailed plans for 7BU opening <blockquote>'''NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. Prime Minister to Open 7BU Tonight.''' The new "B" class broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie, owned and operated by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., will be officially opened at 8 o'clock this evening by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons). Operating on a wave length of 216 metres, several tests of the new station have been carried out during the pastfew days, and have proved entirely satisfactory. A large number of reports have been received from both islands of New Zealand, the mainland, and all parts of the North-West and West Coasts, stating that the reception of 7BU has been excellent. Listeners all over Tasmania will be given an opportunity tonight of hearing the official opening of 7BU, as the ceremony will be rebroadcast through 7HO (Hobart) and 7LA (Launceston). The new station will come on the air at 8 p.m., and after the National Anthem, Senator H. J. Payne will introduce the Prime Minister, who will then officially declare the station open. Then will follow speeches by Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), Mr. J. E. Monfries (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Hobart), and Mr. E. J. Bowden (Deputy Radio Inspector, Hobart) and Mrs. J. A. Lyons. The speeches will be followed by a selected musical programme, and at 10 p.m. the station will close. Invitations have been forwarded to a large number of N.W. Coast residents, and the guests will be accommodated in the studio and the main portion of Findlay's building, which will be converted for the occasion. Tomorrow the station will be on the air from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m., during which period a selected musical programme will be broadcast. Commencing from Monday, the station will be on the air daily from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., although it is anticipated that in a short period these hours will be extended. Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO, will be in charge of the studio tonight. Tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday, Mr. John Gough, of 7LA, will have charge. On Wednesday Mr. Ted Davies ("Uncle Ted") will take over.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86567985 |title=NEW BURNIE WIRELESS STATION. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=19 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU Opening, Speeches by dignitaries including Prime Minister of Australia <blockquote>'''OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE.''' Ceremony Performed by Prime Minister. AMAZING GROWTH OF BROADCASTING. The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was stressed by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Cr. J. R. Hilder), the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). Over one hundred attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station, and they listened to the broadcast addresses from the ground floor of Findlay's premises, where special seating accommodation was provided. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. At 8 p.m. the announcer (Mr. J. Broadbent, of 7HO Hobart) called upon Senator H. J. Payne to introduce the Prime Minister. Senator Payne congratulating Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. on their enterprise, expressed the hope that the new station would have a very long and useful existence. "REMARKABLE PROGRESS." The Prime Minister said the last time he opened a Tasmanian broadcasting station he did it from London. The opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is really astounding. So astounding, in fact, and so much a commonplace of every day life has wireless become, that we are apt to overlook its growth. "Tonight farmers in distant homesteads, miners and others in distant camps, will be listening in. Yet it is but a few years ago that many of them were isolated, cut off from the everyday world of men and affairs, receiving their mails infrequently or irregularly. Often days passed before they knew of great happenings in the outside world. To them were denied the benefits of modern musical and other entertainments. "All that is now changed. By the mere turning of a dial they can make contact immediately with the outside world. They can hear the latest news; they can sit down to a concert." '''"730,000 LISTENERS."''' Referring to the extent of the progress of wireless broadcasting in Australia Mr. Lyons said today there were more than 730,000 listeners. There was a wireless receiver in every second home, and this in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station commenced service. Ten years ago there but 64,000 licensed listeners in Australia, and only seven "A" class and eight "B" class stations. Five years went by and they saw a remarkable change. The number of licensed listeners was five times as great; the number of stations had increased by seven, and there were then eight "A" class and 14 "B" class stations. That was at the end of June, 1930, but now there were 14 national and more than 60 "B" class stations. Today there were nearly 12 times as many licensed listeners as there were 10 years ago, and nearly eight times as many stations. There were now 109 listeners to every 1000 of population — a figure surpassed by only five countries in the world. Yet in 1925 the ratio of licensed listeners to every 1000 of population was only 11. '''SHORT-WAVE TRANSMISSION.''' Included in the 14 national broadcasting stations in operation was a shortwave transmission, established to enable listeners in the outback and in the territories to participate in the service. Seven other national stations were being constructed, and numerous other commercial stations like 7BU were projected. "You will see, therefore," said the Prime Minister, '"that Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless." Wireless today was a flourishing Australian industry, giving estimated employment to no fewer than 12,000 persons in the manufacture and sale of receivers and in the actual broadcasting services themselves. "I have listened to receiving sets in different parts of the world," Mr. Lyons declared, "but never have I heard any that were better than those made in our own country." Last year alone, he said, about 150,000 new receivers were manufactured in Australia, and the purchase of these and the maintenance of many thousands of others had resulted in the circulation of a huge sum of money and a demand for the products of many other industries. '''"AUSTRALIA LED WORLD."''' That was something of which Australia should be proud. Australians, in one of the newest of sciences, were more than able to hold their own with the rest of the world, and he had the greatest admiration for those Australian inventors, experimenters and manufacturers who had given the people wireless equipment of such a high standard. Indeed, in many phases of wireless development Australia had led the world. "On previous occasions," said the Prime Minister, "I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. "The borderline between good and bad taste is very narrow, and unfortunately it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Conmmission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste and offends the susceptibilities of listeners then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." Mr. Lyons then declared the station officially open. '''"DEBT OF GRATITUDE."''' Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., who introduced Mrs. Lyons, said that people owed a debt of gratitude to Messrs. Findlay's Pty. Ltd. for their enterprise and initiative in inaugurating the new station. "All these advantages that Burnie now enjoys and all the progress that Tasmania in general has achieved make me begin to feel very old," declared Mrs. Lyons in a happy speech. "I don't feel it is very long at all since I trotted along the roads leading into Burnie on my way to school." There was quite a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air. Some liked jazz and others classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," said Mrs. Lyons. "Surely our highly-educated musical friends won't object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy." The Warden spoke of the great boon wireless was to people in the back districts. Previously they had neither music nor regular news. He congratulated the management of the new station, and wished them every success. '''INCREASED LICENSES.''' The Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) said that half Australia's population were now wireless listeners. During the past five years, apart from Western Australia, where circumstances were such as to preclude a fair comparison, the percentage increase of licenses in Tasmania had been higher than in any other State, the figures being: Tasmania, 233 per cent.; South Australia, 197 per cent.; Queensland, 189 per cent.; New South Wales, 151 per cent.; and Victoria, 69 per cent. From 6000 five years ago, the State's license figures had increased to 20,000. In the district within 50 miles of Burnie there were 4000 licenses, representing a total audience of some 18,000 persons. The Deputy-Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden) said 7BU would fill a very important place in the general network of broadcasting stations. As broadcasting developed, listeners were turning more and more to those stations which were within easy range and were not subject to the fading and interference unavoidably associated with stations several hundreds of miles distant. To thousands of listeners in the district, 7BU should provide a steady and trouble-free service. The guests later were served with refreshments by Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542081 |title=OPENING OF 7BU, BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, another take on the opening by the Hobart Mercury <blockquote>'''7BU ON THE AIR. Opened by Prime Minister. Growth of Broadcasting.''' The amazing growth of broadcasting throughout the Commonwealth since its inauguration 12 years ago was referred to by speakers at the official opening of the new "B" class station, 7BU Burnie, on Saturday night. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons), and other speakers were Mrs. Lyons, Senator H. J. Payne, Mr. F. Marriott, M.H.A., the Warden of Burnie (Councillor J. R. Hilder), the Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraph (Mr. J. E. Monfries), and the Deputy Inspector of Radio (Mr. E. J. Bowden). More than 100 persons attended as the guests of Messrs. Findlays Pty. Ltd., proprietors of the new station. The programme was relayed through 7LA Launceston and 7HO Hobart. The Prime Minister said the opening of 7BU was another step in that remarkable progress which wireless broadcasting was making, and it should please every Tasmanian to know that a Tasmanian firm was associated with its inauguration. "The growth of broadcasting," said Mr. Lyons, "is astounding. So much a commonplace of everyday life has wireless become that we are apt to overlook its growth." There were more than 730,000 listeners, he said, and there was a wireless receiver in every second home, in spite of the fact that it was but 12 years since the first Australian broadcasting station began service. "Australia is in the front rank of wireless development, as she is in most other modern things," said Mr. Lyons. "Of course, if the recent rate of progress in wireless were to continue indefinitely, a state of chaos would very soon result, but the number of stations which can be erected is not limitless. On previous occasions I have emphasised the heavy responsibility placed upon those who control broadcasting, and some recent happenings show, I think, that those in charge of it in Australia are fully alive to the duty they owe to the public. Broadcasting has a powerful influence upon public opinion, and it can inform the public mind just as easily as it can misinform it or leave it in ignorance. The borderline between good and bad taste is narrow, and, unfortunately, it is not difficult to stumble from good to bad. I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission can safely be relied upon to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting. If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, and offends the susceptibilities of listeners, then it is looking for trouble, and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action to prevent it offending again." There was a lot of talk nowadays about the kind of music that should be put across the air, said Mrs. Lyons. Some persons liked jazz, and others liked classics. "I think musical taste is guided largely by rhythm," she said. "Surely our highly educated musical friends will not object to us hearing some of the simpler kind of music that most of us enjoy."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30060016 |title=7BU ON THE AIR |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CXLIII, |issue=20,277 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons at the 7BU opening, effectively urges self-censorship by broadcasting stations <blockquote>'''WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS. Strong Action Against Bad Taste, Says Mr. Lyons.''' BURNIE, Sunday.— Speaking at the opening of the new Tasmanian B class broadcasting station, 7BU, at Burnie last night, the Prime Minister said that a heavy responsibility was placed on those controlling broadcasting. It had a powerful influence upon public opinion. The borderline between good and bad taste was narrow and it was not difficult to stumble from good to bad. "I think the Australian postal administration, which has the last say, and the Australian Broadcasting Commission, can be relied on to keep a close grip on this side of broadcasting," he added. "If a station goes over the borderline of good taste, it is looking for trouble and the authorities will not hesitate to take strong action."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277192117 |title=WARNS WIRELESS STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Sun News-pictorial]] |issue=4084 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=26 December 2025 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Lyons to return to Canberra following his opening of 7BU Burnie <blockquote>'''MEN AND WOMEN.''' Personal Paragraphs. MR. J. A. LYONS, Prime Minister, arrived at his home at Devonport on Saturday, and on Saturday evening opened the new broadcasting station, 7BU Burnie. He will leave on return to Canberra to-day, via Launceston.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542087 |title=MEN AND WOMEN. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Monfries has other duties as well as attendance at 7BU opening <blockquote>'''"FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS. Presentations to Postal Officials.''' During his visit to Burnie in connection with the official opening of the '''7BU''' broadcasting station on Saturday, the Deputy-Director of Posts and Telegraphs (Mr. J. E. Monfries) took the opportunity to present personally four "freedom from accidents" silver medallions to officers of the Post-master-General's Department, for having completed five years' departmental driving without accident. The names of the recipients of the medallion are: — Messrs. W. A. Rout (Latrobe), A. Durkin (Devonport), G. Smallbon (Ulverstone), and W. C. Longmore (Oatlands).<ref>{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86542090 |title="FREEDOM FROM ACCIDENTS" MEDALS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 October 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 11===== 7BU to advertise Burnie to liners about to dock at the port <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' Advertising Burnie: At the annual meeting of the Tourist Association last night, Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of broadcasting station '''7BU''', said his company, in an effort to advertise Burnie, proposed to give an hour's programme, chiefly a talk on the town, prior to the arrival of each of the overseas liners, to try to persuade travellers to stay at Burnie. The shipping companies had agreed to assist the scheme by having the ship's wirelesses tuned in to the station during the talk. He asked for the support of the association, which was whole-heartedly accorded. It was explained that the scheme would be financed by means of advertising. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86553590 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> A London visitor to Burnie gives a talk over station 7BU <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . Visitor From England: A visit was made to Burnie during the weekend by Mr. A. C. Stray, of London, who is spending a holiday in Australia. On Saturday the visitor was taken by motorcar along the Far North-West as far as Smithton, and expressed himself as delighted with the trip. Before leaving for Melbourne by the Nairana on Saturday night, Mr. Stray gave a short address over the air from Station '''7BU'''. Interviewed prior to his departure, he said he had been absolutely charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery of the North-West Coast, and right through to the North-East Coast, but with the spontaneous warmth of the receptions he had received everywhere. In many respects both the people and the country reminded him very much of England. During his stay in the Commonwealth, Mr. Stray said, he had visited Queensland and New South Wales, as well as Tasmania, and hoped to see a great deal more before he returned home. He considered his stay on the Coast had been far too short. Everywhere he had been greatly impressed, and he hoped he would have the pleasure of again visiting Tasmania on some future occasion. Then he trusted he would be able to spend a little more time on his trip. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86550918 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Growers' Committee to provide market updates to interested stations including 7BU Burnie <blockquote>''' SWEDE GROWERS' COMMITTEE.''' The position of the Circular Head Swede Growers' Advisory Committee was fully discussed, and arrangements were made whereby this committee could function for the ensuing year. There are other details yet to be finalised. It has been decided to supply broad-casting stations desirous of obtaining it with marketing information, times of broadcasts to be mutually arranged. It was pointed out that growers may receive this information from 3LO Melbourne, 7NT Launceston, 7UV Ulverstone and 7BU Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86566745 |title=Closing Times For Produce Deliveries. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=30 November 1935 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1935 12===== McCall protests in House of Reps for greater parliamentary control of broadcasting, uses impact upon 7UV Ulverstone by new 7BU Burnie as an example <blockquote>'''RADIO CONTROL ATTACK. STRONG PROTEST IN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.''' By our Special Representative. CANBERRA, Tuesday. A vigorous protest against what he termed the autocratic control of broadcasting by the Post Office was made by Mr McCall (U.A.P., N.S.W.) in moving the adjournment of the House of Representatives today. Mr McCall gave notice that tomorrow he would move that the whole question of broadcasting control be referred to a select committee of the House. '''"Vitally Affects People"''' MR McCALL said the position created by the regulations recently gazetted by the Government was one vitally affecting the people of Australia. It was calculated to retard the development of broadcasting and most seriously to prejudice the radio industry. These regulations were being put into force without the opportunity of public or Parliamentary discussion, although they governed an industry in which millions had been invested, and in which many thousands were employed, the industry catered for 750,000 listeners, and allowing four persons to one radio set, at least three million people throughout the Commonwealth were affected. Yet, said Mr McCall, these regulations had never been approved by the National Legislature, which had never been given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on them. It was to give Parliament this opportunity that he had moved his motion. "Autocratic Powers" Mr McCall said the powers under which the present regulations operated were granted at a time when broadcasting was merely a scientific toy, as far removed from present day broadcasting as a flint lock musket was from a modern machine gun. The powers were granted as far back as 1905, in an act of only 10 clauses, and in 1915 and 1919 short amendments were made. That was the sole basis of the present autocratic powers exercised by the Post Office. While, nominally, control over broadcasting was exercised by a Minister, the real control was in the hands of a permanent head of the Post Office, and under the system of party politics which existed in Australia, any regulations which the Department chose to make must be accepted by Parliament without debate, amendment or explanation by the Minister. This was entirely inconsistent with the principles of democratic Governments and unfair to Parliament and the people of the Commonwealth. The regulations plainly showed that the postal authorities were seeking the authority of Parliament without debate to trammel and shackle commercial stations and to prevent their expansion. "Who is to control, regulate and supervise this wonderful achievement of science? Surely the people, through their representatives in this National Parliament. "Broadcasting has given birth to a great industry — giving employment to 15,000 people directly, and at least an other 5000 indirectly. To find employment for our people is the greatest problem which confronts the Government. "Therefore, is the radio industry to go on or go down? It certainly will not go on if it is to be continually harassed by bureaucratic control, and if these regulations are enforced. "It may be contended that it is the practice for Parliament to delegate authority to Ministers and subordinate bodies. This is true, but in such cases the delegated authority is strictly limited by statute. Where this delegated authority is exercised by a minister the regulations he makes, merely implement, and give effect to the provisions of the statute. '''"Empty Talk of Freedom"''' "Other statutes not only lay down broad, general principles, but direct how these shall be applied, and what may — or may not — be done in certain circumstances, leaving only minor matters to be dealt with by regulation. "But in this case, the position is very different. Here the statute delegates unlimited powers, but gives no direction as to how they are to be used, nor places any limit upon their scope. The acts of Parliament dealing with wireless do not legislate for wireless, but hand over all the powers of this Parliament — whatever they may be — to an autocrat, who is at once the legislature, judiciary and executive. "He legislates in secret — no one knows what he will do — but all must obey his will, for from it there is no appeal. "We boast that this is a free country, that we enjoy the right of free speech, but the bureaucratic control of broadcasting makes this boast an empty one. For no man is able to speak to his fellow citizens over the air save by the permission of the Department. What the Department says he should say, he must say or be silent. "There are 16 subsidised A class stations and 65 commercial stations operating today. B Class Stations "The B class stations are entirely self-supporting. That is to say, they receive nothing from the fees paid by the 650,000 licensed listeners, equal to £800,000 a year, or £15,000 a week. The growth of B class stations in recent years has proved conclusively that they are providing a public service and supplying a public demand. "Comprehensive enquiries designed to ascertain the listeners' preference show that 80 per cent. of the listeners regularly tune in to B class stations, proving conclusively that, notwithstanding the disadvantages of having to transmit advertisements for revenue purposes, they have established a superior service which depends on public support, and is the outcome of popular need and desire. "The P.M.G.'s Department controls the radio industry by regulations which it makes without consultation with this Parliament or the industry concerned. The Department gives or withholds licences. It determines: The site upon which the station is to be erected; its power, wavelength and range; the uses to which it may be put; whether the station shall advertise; it can censor the advertising, and programmes; it can demand balance sheets; it can cancel a licence at its own pleasure, and prevent the station from being sold; and, in fact, write 'finis' to the whole proposition. From all this there is no appeal. "But the present control — absolute though it is — does not satisfy the Department. It has framed new and more drastic regulations, which, if enforced, will most seriously affect the operations of commercial broadcasting. "The reasons it gives for its action are most unconvincing," Mr McCall continued. "It says that these new regulations are necessary to prevent monopoly. We all want to prevent monopoly, but to talk about monopoly in this case sounds rather hollow. "How can the B class stations obtain a monopoly while the P.M.G. already has the power to issue, withhold, or cancel licences and while the national stations are owned and controlled by the Government? "The only monopoly that is possible is that which would be created if the A class stations owned and subsidised by the Government drove the B class sta- (Start Photo Caption) Mr McCall (End Photo Caption) tions out of business. To talk about monopoly in this case is absurd. The B class stations can only live as long as the people patronise them. "If the B class stations attempt to use the air to the detriment of the people, apart from the P.M.G.'s power to cancel the licence, the listeners themselves would turn them off, and business firms would withdraw their advertisements. "Even if there was a need to protect the industry against monopolies, are retrospective regulations the best methods of achieving this, instead of direct legislation, which would give the whole house an opportunity of discussing the principles involved and the methods to be employed? '''"Unfair Control Exercised"''' "There is an appeal against a conviction for using an unlicensed wireless receiver now before the High Court in which the validity of the Wireless Act and the regulations thereunder are being challenged. Why, then, should the Department make further regulations under the Act when they must be aware that the whole Act is being challenged in the courts? "I have said that the present control is autocratic and complete." Mr McCall said, "but it is also exercised unwisely, and if time permitted I could show that in many cases it is exercised unfairly. It can grant or withold a licence. If it decides to grant a licence it can, by fixing an unsuitable site, make the licence of no value; and by prescribing an unsuitable wave length it can make that station, or another established station, in which large sums of capital have been invested, ineffective and useless. "This is not a hypothetical statement. It has been done, and if time permitted I could supply the House with particulars. One instance will be given. Recently, a new broadcasting station was granted at Burnie, in Tasmania, despite the fact that only a few miles away in Ulverstone, a station existed which was giving adequate service to Burnie. No Appeal "The licence was granted without consultation with the broadcasting stations as a whole, and without reference to the Ulverstone licence holder, whose business is greatly affected by the existence of the new licence. Yet, it is impossible, for the Ulverstone man to do more than protest to the department. "There is no court, no commission, no board to which he can appeal for justice. "It's bad enough for people in business to have to submit to control, but to have to submit to the control of the man who runs the rival system is intolerable. It is asking too much to expect any departmental head, who is mainly concerned with the success of the Government subsidised stations, to overcome an unconscious bias in favor of curtailing what is done on the rival system. "We, the members of this Parliament, can and will hold the balance fairly between the A class stations and the B class stations. We believe in free speech. We have a free press. Then let us, subject to reasonable control, have a free air. When all is said and done, the public pay the piper — and should be free to call the tune." MR PARKHILL'S REPLY The Minister representing the Postmaster-General (Mr Parkhill) said he had heard that serious allegations were to be made against the wireless regulations. He had been convinced of this by the unprecedented course taken by Mr McCall in moving the adjournment of the House, and by the perturbation of certain newspapers. But Mr McCall had not even referred to the regulations to which apparently he was objecting, nor had he said what portion of them he was objecting to. Mr Parkhill said there was no more autocratic control of broadcasting than existed in any administrative department. In the case of broadcasting, the P.M.G. had the advantage of advice by an official specially qualified on this subject. Mr Parkhill said that no charge of unfairness against the permanent head of '''Broadcasting Attack — Ctd.''' the P.M.G.'s Department could be levelled, as suggested by Mr McCall. In any case, there was an appeal to Parliament from the decisions of the Departmental Head. The statement that the B class stations were being harrassed was not verified by the position of any station in New South Wales. Each B class station in New South Wales had every consideration from the post office. "If there were any new licences for B. class stations available tomorrow," said Mr Parkhill, "there would be danger of somebody getting killed in the rush for them, despite the talk of bureaucratic control." He said there was evidence of the development of monopolies in broadcasting, and representations had been made by representatives of commercial stations against this monopolistic trend. While the Department had serious objections to wide control by a few commercial groups, it was realised that the best service came from a concentration of programmes by a number of stations. That had been kept in mind by the Government. Mr Parkhill said that the Department realised that the advertisers wanted chain broadcasting so that high class broadcasting could be carried on by the B class stations. The Department had no objection to that, and was doing everything possible to encourage it. The regulations which were first gazetted, allowing for a maximum of five stations to be owned by one company or individual were generous concessions towards this end. Mr Curtin: Why did you alter them? Mr Parkhill: So that there should be no charge of unfairness levelled against the Government, we decided to hear the representatives of the commercial stations. After this was done we decided to give them a maximum of eight stations under single control. Mr Parkhill continued that Amalgamated Wireless of Australia had 13 stations, and The Herald, Melbourne, 11. This was apart from other stations with which they were associated. Mr Curtin: Do you mean to say that these two groups control 24 of the 65 B class stations in Australia? Mr Parkhill: I do not think any company should have a monopoly of this kind. The danger was becoming so apparent that the Government decided to take some action, and the only grounds on which the Government erred in this matter was on the side of generosity. The national stations are not getting a fair run in the Commonwealth. [The statement that The Herald owns 11 stations is ridiculous. It owns only one station, 3DB, in Melbourne. It has an association with 5AD Adelaide, and a small interest with 4BK Queensland. — Ed. Herald.]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244783398 |title=RADIO CONTROL ATTACK |newspaper=[[The Herald]] |issue=18,268 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=3 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU manager undertakes to include Burnie tourism folder with 7BU QSL cards <blockquote>'''TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. Track to Round Hill. PHOTOS. FOR DISPLAY IN MELBOURNE.''' A general meeting of the Burnie Tourist Association was held in the Town Hall buildings last evening, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. W. T. Todd was voted to the chair. Arising out of the minutes of the last meeting Mr. E. A. Winter reported that he had waited on the Council with regard to the appointment of a museum committee. He understood the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) had the matter in hand. Mr. Winter also reported having made representations to both Burnie bands as to going ahead with the construction of a band rotunda. Mr. G. H. Causby said that when in Melbourne recently he had been told of a band rotunda at Geelong which was of a kind suitable for Burnie requirements. On return he had been in touch with the Warden and council clerk, and the Warden had promised to secure particulars of the Geelong rotunda. A communication from the secretary of the North-Western Municipal League (Mr. A. R. Quinn) in regard to the association participating in a display in the Government Tourist Bureau in Melbourne was received, the secretary stating that in company with Mr. Ormerod, assistant-secretary, he had selected a panorama of the town and two other photos., and forwarded them to Mr. Quinn. On the motion of Mr. S. Hills, seconded by Mr. Causby, it was decided to remind the Council that the work of clearing up Fern Glade, particularly at the top end, had not been completed. It was agreed to include in the motion that the cable rope from the old suspension bridge be removed from the track if possible. Mr. Winter brought up the matter of defining a track from the golf links to the summit of Round Hill, at the northern end. From this spot a fine view of Emu Bay, the Emu River estuary, the coastline to the eastward, and the hinterland could be obtained. He considered a more clearly defined track should be established. It was decided that the secretary, Mr. Todd and any others available visit the spot, and that they report. Mr. A. D. Towner offered to distribute a quantity of the newly-printed folders of Burnie. He said he would insert folders with the station cards of broadcasting station 7BU, which were sent all over the Commonwealth and to New Zealand. It was agreed that Mr. Towner be given 200 of the folders, and that a quantity also be given to Mr. P. Hughes. It was decided that in order that representatives of certain sporting bodies could get in touch with passengers by overseas boats, the secretary write to the shipping agents asking for permits to go on the wharf. Accounts Amounting to £39/13/1 were passed for payment on the motion of Mr. S. Hills.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86571738 |title=TOURIST MEETING AT BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 December 1935 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1936==== =====1936 01===== Heavy rain causes the 7BU aerial to come down <blockquote>'''BURNIE.''' . . . '''7BU'S Aerial Down:''' The exceptionally heavy rain, following the dry spell, caused the halyards which keep the aerial of the local wireless station, 7BU, aloft, to expand and burst, with the result that the aerial fell from the masts to the ground. A man was employed to renew the halyard ropes, and within half an hour the station was ready for the air. However, a power failure did not permit of the broadcast commencing at 12 noon as usual. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91810173 |title=BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 January 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 02===== =====1936 03===== 7BU's frequency change from 1390 kHz to 660 kHz to be effected 8 March 1935, required major transmitter rebuild <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA.''' 7BU, Burnie is to be given a position on the radio well amongst the National Stations. The changeover from 216 metres 1390 kilocycles to 455 metres 660 kilocycles will take place on Sunday, March 8. This is the highest allotted to any commercial station. The stepup from 216 to 455 metres has meant considerable reconstruction work for the transmitter; the change over, however, will be made without losing a minute of the usual station time on the air. The transmitter has recently been highly commented upon by the engineers of other stations, who have expressed surprise not only at the distant reports received, but also at the remarkable clarity of the transmission as well as the entire absence of background noise. The entire plant was manufactured in Tasmania by Findlay's Pty. Ltd. engineers, and this firm was recently asked to quote for a very high powered plant to replace one already in existence in New South Wales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91814769 |title=7BU BURNIE, TASMANIA. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Council rejects 7BU's application to be connected to the standby power plant <blockquote>'''BURNIE COUNCIL.''' . . . '''ELECTRICAL REPORT.''' The electrical engineer (Mr. A. W. Berry) reported as follows: In reference to Messrs. Findlay's application to have their premises connected to the standby plant, I find the average load taken by the broadcasting station is from 1½ to 2 amps, or a half horse power. This station could be connected from the special line which supplies the Post Office. The cost would be £4/10/. I would not recommend that the station be connected, because we are not able to supply more consumers, the engine being overloaded every time there is a breakdown. Re damage to telephone line: There is no truth in the statement in the letter from the P.M.G.'s Department so far as we are aware. The new pole is a foot higher than the old one, and there is about four feet of clearance between the power wires and the telephone line. At the time of the supposed damage being caused, I called at the Post Office, but officials were unable to show me the damaged wire. On the motion of Crs. J. Leary and L. Ling, it was decided to advise 7BU that it would not be possible to connect that station with the standby power plant. The letter from the P.M.G.'s Department was left to the Warden to deal with. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91817980 |title=BURNIE COUNCIL. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=17 March 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=9 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 04===== Tasman Lord is awarded BOCP, to go on the 7BU staff <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Local Boy's Success: Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Lord, of Park street, have received advice that their son, Mr. Tasman Lord, has been successful in a recent examination for a broadcast operator's license, conducted by the Commonwealth authorities. Educated at the Wynyard State School, Mr. Lord went on to the Launceston Junior Technical School. There he gained a high pass in electricity, and when he left school he joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Launceston, where at present he is relieving engineer. In the near future he will be stationed at Burnie, where he will be engaged at Station 7BU. He is aged only 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91788662 |title=WYNYARD. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> 7BU again requests connection to standby plant and again declined <blockquote>'''Burnie Council.''' . . . '''GENERAL.''' Mr. A. D. Towner, manager of 7BU, wrote asking that the council give further consideration to the request that a direct line from the standby plant be connected with the station, so that it would not be put out of operation during a breakdown in the hydro service. He stated that the amount of current used by the station was so small that it would not make any appreciable difference to the present load of the standby plant. It was stated that it had previously been decided that the idea could not be entertained, and no further action was taken. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91813044 |title=Burnie Council. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 April 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=8 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 05===== =====1936 06===== 7BU's new frequency in amongst the Class A stations causing some problems for listeners <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— With your permission I would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU. I am the owner of a modern set, and my reception is overwhelmed by the Burnie programme at various periods, day and night. I would esteem it a favor if other listeners-in would give their views per medium of "The Advocate," and if others are being jammed out, an amicable arrangement might be suggested whereby the difficulty may be overcome.— Yours, etc. SPARKS. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91803302 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Reply to previous <blockquote>'''Wireless "Jams."''' To the Editor. Sir,— In reply to "Sparks' " article in Saturday's paper, I would like to inform him that his remarks re the in-terference from 7BU have automatically made himself a target for a few comments. "Sparks'" trouble can definitely be ascribed to two reasons: (a) That he lives in what is technically known as the "shock area" to 7BU's transmitter, in which case he undoubtedly can-not, expect to receive interstate stations without being troubled by 7BU no matter how "modern" his receiver is; (b) that, if he lives outside the "shock area," his receiver probably needs "lining-up," which would considerably sharpen up his tuning. This job should be entrusted to a radio mechanic who has an appliance known in the radio world as a "signal generator." Provided the receiver is of an efficient design, it should be possible to get it to tune to 10KC. This being the case, if he lives more than half a mile from 7BU he should have no difficulty whatever in separating 2CO and 1YA Auckland from 7BU. Speaking of my own case, I would like to inform "Sparks" that I live less than half a mile from the transmitter, and by using an ordinary 5-v. superhet. I can easily separate the two stations previously mentioned, without a trace of interference from the Burnie station. However, supposing our correspondent is so situated that nothing can be done to help him, it should not matter if 7BU were the only station he could receive, because for the information of "Sparks" and others to whom the subject is of interest, I would like to point out that the quality of 7BU's transmission is equal to the best of the Australian stations, because of the fact that 7BU uses "Crystal" apparatus; meaning of course that the microphones they use are of the "Crystal" type, as are also the pickup units. In the radio world these units are regarded as being probably the best obtainable, by reason of their ability to reproduce speech and music with life-like fidelity; couple those remarks with the fact that 7BU's transmitter is capable of a very wide frequency range, and even the novice can see that practically perfect transmission is thus obtainable from the local station. As a final word, might I remark that a broadcasting service is undoubtedly an asset to the community, and as citizens we should not quibble even if 7BU does cause a slight interference. Trusting the above remarks have been of some interest to "Sparks" and other listeners to 7BU.— Yours, etc., SHORT WAVE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806902 |title=Wireless "Jams." |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=27 December 2025 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— In Saturday's issue of "The Advocate" I noticed a letter signed "Sparks." He says he would like to secure the experiences of wireless set owners regarding interruptions with A class stations by station 7BU, Burnie. I possess a set, but 7BU, Burnie causes no interference in any way with any of the A class stations, although it is only a degree that separates 2CO and 7BU. I can tune in to each without any trouble. 7BU comes in clearer than any of the A class stations excepting 7NT, Kelso, which is a perfect A class station. Out of the A and B class stations in Tasmania, New Zealand and Australia I can get 60 stations without any interference or interruption from any of them, or "wireless jams," — Yours, etc., PRECEDENT D.W. Boat Harbor. P.S.— If "Sparks" wishes correspondence on the matter, or personal interviews, if he discloses his name I would be pleased to hear from him, as I am in search of aerials to bring short waves in. — P.D.W.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806904 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Yet another reply to previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir, — I was most interested to read the complaint from "Sparks" in your issue of the 20th inst. Whilst I must pay a compliment to 7BU for the fine recorded items they submit over the air from time to time, I consider that it was most unfair to those who own wireless sets and pay for a license to allow the change of wave length recently instituted. Like "Sparks" I am the owner of a modern all-wave set, but in my case 7BU "jams" out A class stations such as 5CL and others. Further, on the short wave dial I find 7BU in half-a-dozen places, and it is almost impossible to tune in overseas until they have closed down. I have heard so many similar complaints that I consider it is high time wireless owners took concerted action and petitioned the Australian Broadcasting Commission to take steps to overcome the annoyance, and I, like "Sparks," should like to hear other views per the medium of "The Advocate.'" — Yours, etc., RAYCOPHONE. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91806905 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=23 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=2 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''Wireless Interference.''' To the Editor. Sir,— To use "Short Wave's" words, I should like to say that if "Sparks'" letter helps to reduce the "slight interference" (!) of 7BU he will "automatically make himself the target" for many thanks. A few days ago we were getting N.Z. splendidly till 7BU barged in and finished it. Undoubtedly Burnie puts on fine recorded programmes, but they should not be allowed to cover larger and more important ones from flesh and blood artists, as they do at present.— Yours, etc., LISTENER. Wynyard.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793464 |title=Wireless Interference. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous <blockquote>'''To the Editor.''' Sir,— Yes, "Sparks" is perfectly right in his contention that 7BU interferes with the reception from some of the "A" class stations. There was a time when we could listen in peace to the good programmes afforded by the "A" class stations, but, unfortunately, "Them days is gorn." Now we are subjected to local interference, and this is not due to an inferior set, as ours is a well-known modern make. Certain stations, "A" and "B," are cut out altogether until the strains of "Good-Night" at 10.30 from 7BU signify that we are free to switch on to what we want. It seems that another allocation of wavelengths is necessary.— Yours, etc., SUPERHET. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91793465 |title=To the Editor. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=24 June 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=11 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 07===== 7BU turns its disadvantageous frequency assignment around to an advertising advantage <blockquote>'''7BU BURNIE.''' 7BU Burnie (Findlay's Broadcasting Service) draws attention by advertisement today to the fact that its wavelength is on top of the commercial broadcast band. The station claims that it is "always on top with bright and popular entertainment, with up to the minute information for the farmer."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68070405 |title=7BU BURNIE. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=20 July 1936 |accessdate=24 September 2025 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 08===== 7BU mast snapped at base during hurricane <blockquote>'''Burnie Struck By Hurricane.''' What was described as a hurricane struck Burnie at 5 o'clock this afternoon, causing considerable damage to buildings. The 60ft. wireless mast of 7BU was snapped off at the base, and the station will be off the air tonight. Although the wind had abated later, a heavy sea was running, and there was some doubt as to whether the Wollongbar would be able to berth.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264898242 |title=Burnie Struck By Hurricane |newspaper=[[Saturday Evening Express]] |volume=VIII, |issue=32 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=15 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=12 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> As previous, further detail <blockquote>'''BURNIE LASHED. Gale Sweeps Coast. Panic at Theatre.''' BURNIE. Sunday.— A 40 miles an hour gale at Wynyard on Saturday afternoon swept along the coast to Burnie to reach the force of a hurricane. It left a trail of minor damage in its wake. The sea, which was running very high was lashed into spray. A column of water was whipped into the air and swept towards the large grandstand at West Park where a football match was being held. For a while spectators in one part of the ground could not see a few yards in front of them. Blowing over a fence on the ground, the wind caused a scatter from the grandstand into the blinding rain, people feared that the grandstand would fall. Footballers had to lie on the ground in the face of the gale. Trees were uprooted, fences levelled, and iron lifted from the roofs of buildings in the town. A mast 110ft in height at Findlay's wireless station 7BU crashed in three pieces, steel supports 5in thick at the base being bent like nails. Two cyclists taking part in a road race were swept from their machines. A boy who was standing on a street corner was hurled bodily across the road and was stunned. A panic was caused in the Burnie Theatre during a picture matinee, children and then adults rushing for the exits when they heard the noise of the wind. A child was trampled on. A stern hawser of the steamer Wollongbar, which was berthed at McGaw Pier, snapped, but another line was quickly run out. A 30ft. fishing launch which was being sailed from Ulverstone to Burnie by V. Barfoot and J. Campbell, was tossed about and reached Burnie after having been 15 hours at sea on a journey which normally takes three hours. Barfoot said that he never expected to reach Burnie. The boat was extensively damaged.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11904089 |title=BURNIE LASHED |newspaper=[[The Argus (Melbourne)]] |issue=28,078 |location=Victoria, Australia |date=17 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Recent storm highlights problem of listener masts causing damage <blockquote>'''DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Improvement Needed. Position at Burnie.''' The unsatisfactory system of drainage in the town area at Burnie, as disclosed by the torrential rain of recent weeks, was discussed at a meeting of the Burnie Council yesterday. A motion that immediate action be taken to effect improvements was deferred. There were present the Warden (Cr. J. R. Hilder) and Crs. S. Bird, T. L. Mace, J. Leary, M. Southwell, R. Jago, L. Ling, M. A. Whitford, A. W. Townsend, and ? Wilson. . . . '''Wireless Mast Danger''' The danger of allowing wireless masts to be erected close to the electric power lines was emphasised in a report by the council's electrician (Mr. A. W. Berry). He pointed out that during the stormy conditions of the last few weeks considerable damage had been caused to mains through wireless poles having fallen across power lines. If the remaining 110ft. mast of 7BU wireless station was blown down towards Wilson-street, considerable damage would result, and the transformer would probably be put out of action. Mr. Berry urged the council to regulate the erection of wireless poles in future. The matter was referred to the town committee for consideration.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52094954 |title=DRAINAGE SYSTEM |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=XCV, |issue=135 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 August 1936 |accessdate=26 April 2026 |page=6 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Letter to the editor of the Advocate reveals inappropriate programming on 7BU <blockquote>'''Public Opinion. Wireless Programmes.''' To the Editor. Sir,— Listening-in on Tuesday eve last, after tea, to the merry sallies of 7BU for the amusement and edification of the children was a pleasant recreation, and Patsy's singing was very sweet. But soon afterwards came a record entitled "Sandy Joins the Nude Club." This record was supposed to be "by request." It is hard to understand how anyone could request an item so questionable. People are in the habit of allowing their children to tune into 7BU, feeling sure of their hearing suitable records. But if this is to be a sample of what they are to listen to, and hundreds of children do listen-in, one can only feel that they would not be improved thereby. It may be urged that all tastes must be catered for; but why cater for such tastes? Why not give them a taste for pure and wholesome fun, especially so soon after the close of the children's hour? Hoping that this record, or any other like it, will never be put on again by 7BU, nor any other station.— Yours etc., LISTENER-IN. Burnie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68078434 |title=Public Opinion Wireless Programmes. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 August 1936 |accessdate=6 May 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1936 09===== =====1936 10===== =====1936 11===== =====1936 12===== ====1937==== =====1937 01===== =====1937 02===== =====1937 03===== =====1937 04===== =====1937 05===== 7BU Burnie belatedly included in a list of new Australian radio stations <blockquote>'''NEW RADIO STATIONS. FIVE A MONTH OPENED.''' SYDNEY, Saturday. Australia now has 97 radio stations. During the past seven months, they have been opening at the rate of five a month. In New South Wales there are six national and 26 commercial stations. REGIONAL commercial stations and to a lesser extent regional national stations are springing up all over Australia, until now there are 20 national and 77 commercial stations. Since last October 35 new stations — eight national and 27 commercialhave been opened. New national regional stations in this State are 2CR Cumnock and 2NR Lawrence, near Grafton. Commercial stations opened since October in New South Wales are: 2AD Armidale, 2BS Bathurst, 2DU Dubbo, 2GZ Orange, 2KA Katoomba, 2LM Lismore, 2NZ Inverell, 2QN Deniliquin, 2RG Griffith, 2TM Tamworth. In Other States Victoria now has new national stations, 3GI Longford, near Sale, and 3WV Longford (sic, Doen), near Horsham, and commercial stations established since October are 3LK Lubeck, 3MB Birchip, 3SR Shepparton, 3XY Melbourne, 3YB Warrnambool. Queensland has added 4QN Clevedon, near Townsville (national), and 4AK Oakey, 4BU Bundaberg, 4CA Cairns, 4LG Longreach, 4VL Charleville, 4WK Warwick (commercial). Western Australia has two more national stations: 6GF Kalgoorlie and 6WA Minding, near Wagin, and two more commercial stations; South Australia, another commercial station, 5RM Renmark. Tasmania a new national station, 7NT Kelso, near Launceston, and two more commercial, 7BU Burnie, and 7HT Hobart. Another new commercial station is 4PM Port Moresby, Papua.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166625331 |title=NEW RADIO STATIONS |newspaper=[[The Newcastle Sun]] |issue=6052 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=8 May 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 06===== =====1937 07===== =====1937 08===== =====1937 09===== H. K. Littler ("Uncle Cliff" of 7BU) received gifts from children on the occasion of his marriage <blockquote>'''WYNYARD.''' . . . Presentations: On Saturday morning about 40 children met at the home of Mr. H. K. Littler to wish "Uncle Cliff" of 7BU and Miss Marjorie Watkinson, who are to be married next Saturday, happiness and prosperity. Mr. Littler, on behalf of the children, who had each taken a gift, said the gifts were an expression of their esteem and goodwill.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68452788 |title=WYNYARD |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 September 1937 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1937 10===== =====1937 11===== =====1937 12===== ====1938==== =====1938 01===== =====1938 02===== =====1938 03===== =====1938 04===== =====1938 05===== Dame Enid Lyons broadcasts on 7BU, mentions her role in the opening <blockquote>'''Devonport Broadcast:''' The relationship between the citizens of the respective towns, Burnie and Devonport, was amusingly discussed by Dame Enid Lyons in a broadcast address from 7BU's Devonport studio on Wednesday night. Dame Enid said that Burnie people often talked of their town as being the best on the Coast, and she had even heard it referred to as the capital. However, the inhabitants of Devonport took it in good part, and she was hopeful that the centres of Burnie and Devonport would draw closer together in the future. Dame Enid congratulated the station on its enterprise, and wished the venture every success. She herself, she claimed, could be regarded as a citizen of both towns, as she owed her origin to Burnie, and had dwelt for a considerable number of years in Devonport. Continuing, Dame Enid said she had a warm regard for the Coast, as everyone well knew, and it was very dear to her heart. She recalled the time when, at the opening of 7BU, she had expressed the hope that the station would not play too much classical music, and asked for, as a request, "Eleven More Months and Ten More Days." This was the first number to be played over the station. Thus, said Dame Enid, was her reputation as a music critic blasted for ever! Dame Enid concluded her remarks by expressing the hope that it would not be long before Devonport possessed a full-sized broadcasting station of its own.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68424866 |title=DEVONPORT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=13 May 1938 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1938 06===== =====1938 07===== =====1938 08===== =====1938 09===== =====1938 10===== =====1938 11===== =====1938 12===== ====1939==== =====1939 01===== =====1939 02===== =====1939 03===== =====1939 04===== =====1939 05===== =====1939 06===== =====1939 07===== 7BU assists with the provision of a new wireless receiver for Devon Hospital in Latrobe <blockquote>'''LATROBE. New Wireless Installation:''' Through the co-operation of 7BU broadcasting station, and the generosity of its listeners, a new and up-to-date wireless set has been provided for the Devon Hospital, and the official switching on ceremony will be performed by Dame Enid Lyons on Sunday next, at 3 p.m., when donors to the fund and all interested are invited to attend.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314101 |title=LATROBE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=25 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire places 7BU mast at risk <blockquote>'''BURNIE. Shed Burned:''' A fire occurred at about 9.15 last evening in a shed at the rear of the shops of Messrs. S. R. Gill and S. Trebilco and the Willows Cafe, in Wilson street. The shed, which was badly gutted, contained about two tons of hay belonging to Mr. Gill. The fire was detected by Constable G. Billing, who was on duty in Marine Terrace. The Fire Brigade was summoned and the blaze was soon under control. The shed was owned by Mr. E. A. Joyce. Mr. Towner, in paying tribute to the speed and efficiency of the brigade, said that within five minutes of the call water was being poured on the outbreak. He wished to thank members of the brigade and their superintendent for their work. At one stage the mast of 7BU was in danger, as well as Mr. Brown's stables.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68314557 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 July 1939 |accessdate=8 June 2026 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1939 08===== =====1939 09===== =====1939 10===== =====1939 11===== =====1939 12===== ===1940s=== ====1940==== =====1940 01===== =====1940 02===== =====1940 03===== =====1940 04===== =====1940 05===== =====1940 06===== =====1940 07===== =====1940 08===== Detailed article about the history of 7HO, key station of 7BU's Tasmanian Broadcasting Network <blockquote>'''STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY. High Reputation in Field Of Radio Entertainment.''' STATION 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station to operate in Tasmania, and one of the first seven commercial stations in Australia, celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening. Thousands of listeners know it as "Hobart's Original Station." Entertainment offered by 7HO has gained the station an enviable reputation. Consistently of high quality, its programmes have won the warm appreciation of the great majority of the listening public within the station's range. The technical excellence of the transmissions, the freedom from plant failure, have upheld 7HO's claim that it is the best equipped station in Tasmania. The history of 7HO forms part of the story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. In 1930 fewer than 8,000 listeners' licences were held in Tasmania, and fewer than 330,000 in the whole of the Commonwealth. At July 31 this year the total number of receiving licences held in Tasmania was 42,656 — more than five times the number issued in 1930 — while the Commonwealth total was considerably more than 1,170,000. '''FIRST STATION IN STATE NETWORK''' COMMERCIAL broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a B class station in April 1930. The future of commercial broadcasting then was uncertain but Mr. Findlay, who claims he was the pioneer of this form of broadcasting in Tasmania, had faith in the venture. Four months after the licence had been obtained 7HO went on the air. The original 7HO licence was issued to Findlays Pty. Ltd. In the same year a licence for 7LA Launceston was obtained and in the following years the other stations in the Tasmanian broadcasting network were licensed. That network now consists of 7HO, 7LA, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby. The Tasmanian Broadcasting Network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. The Tasmanian network was the first complete State network in Australia. Mr. D. L. Richardson, Launceston, is its manager. Station 7HO now is operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The directors are Messrs. S. H. Findlay, L. Nettlefold and G. F. Davies. The station staff is Station manager, Mr. K. B. Goyne; secretary, Mr. J. T. Wertheimer; studio manager and chief announcer Mr. Lawrence Gordon; announcers, Messrs. Gordon Lewis, Robert Lange, Alan Clayton, Victor Colbeck, Miss Susan Barrie; advertising manager, Mr. E. McRae; sales staff, Mrs. J. L. Rycroft; chief engineer, Mr. W. R. Nicholas; other technical staff, Messrs. J. S. Dodds, R. Brundle, W. S. Morrison, M. Bradley, J. D. Butler. The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, who since has returned to England, and Miss Mane Langdon, now a leading radio personality on the Mainland. Mr. John Broadbent succeeded Montford as chief announcer and it was Broadbent who instituted the drives which have enabled 7HO to contribute something like £300 a year for charitable and philanthropic purposes. Mr. G. Bills-Thompson followed Broadbent and early this year was succeeded by Mr. K. B. Goyne who took the post of station manager. Mr. Goyne entered the radio field after 17 years of newspaper work in Northern Tasmania Mr. Goyne has taken a keen interest in music and also has studied voice production. He was one of the first Tasmanians to enter broadcasting, having an engagement with 3LO in 1928. Receiving licence statistics give a vivid picture of the spectacular growth of broadcasting since 1930. The increase in the number of radio listeners has gone on rapidly from year to year. Tasmania had 244 receiving (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''S. H. FINDLAY''' Pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Tasmania. (End Photo Caption) (Start Photo Caption) MR. '''K. B. GOYNE''' Became station manager of 7HO early this year. (End Photo Caption) licences at the end of 1924, 8,667 at the end of 1931, 18,897 at the end of 1934, 38,095 at the end of 1938, and 40,761 at December 31 last. Thus the number of licences held in the State has been doubled approximately every four years. At December 31 last, 18,136 licences were held within a radius of 25 miles from Hobart or 21.13 for 100 of population, and 91 for each 100 of dwellings. Within a radius of 50 miles from the city, 19,631 licences were held — a ratio of 19.08 for 100 of population, and 82 for 100 dwellings. At the same date 13,201 licences were held in the metropolitan area of Hobart, a ratio of 21.33 to 100 of population and of 91 to 100 dwellings. These figures reveal how large a listening public there is within the area served by 7HO — an area including Southern Tasmania and part of Eastern Tasmania. '''Station Congratulated''' The following messages have been received on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 7HO: The Premier (Mr '''Cosgrove'''): On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I have pleasure in extending to Station 7HO cordial congratulations on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Holding the distinction of having been the pioneer of commercial broadcasting in Hobart, 7HO has continued to keep pace with the rapid and spectacular growth of radio and has rendered increasingly valuable service to the community. The Government itself has frequently received generous assistance from the station in conducting appeals, such as that recently made in connection with the Bush Fire Relief Fund. I hope that the progress of 7HO in the future will be no less marked than it has been in the past. Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs ('''Mr. J. E. Monfries'''): The 10th anniversary of 7HO's birthday gives rise to reflections upon the strides radio has made as well as upon 7HO's own progress. In August 1930, a transmitter of only 100 watts was permitted by the department, and even in those early days of commercial broadcasting the "coverage" provided by the station and the patronage received were satisfying. With the increase of 432 per cent in the radio audience in the metropolitan area in the past 10 years and the healthy competition which always spells progress, no opportunity has been lost by 7HO in perfecting its technical equipment. The Post Office in Tasmania is justifiably proud of the broadcasting service given to its 42,000 and more licensees, and congratulates the management of 7HO on its valuable contribution to that service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25818153 |title=STATION 7HO CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLII, |issue=21,748 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1940 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=1 (Radio Supplement) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1940 09===== =====1940 10===== =====1940 11===== =====1940 12===== ====1941==== =====1941 01===== =====1941 02===== =====1941 03===== =====1941 04===== =====1941 05===== =====1941 06===== =====1941 07===== =====1941 08===== 7BU's Towner makes input to Parliamentary Broadcasting Committee <blockquote>'''Broadcasting Inquiry. Religious Priority on Sundays.''' LAUNCESTON, Monday.— A measure of priority on Sundays for broadcasts of a religious nature and a different basis of allocating church services among the denominations were suggested by the Launceston Council of Churches in a statement to the Parliamentary committee on broadcasting, which sat in Launceston today. The views of the council were submitted by the president (Rev. K. W. Burton). He said they thought that broadcasting should be used to build up the spiritual forces of the nation. It was of vital importance that Sunday should be preserved as a day for worship, and that priority should be given, at least during the regular hours of worship, to broadcasts of a religious character. Programmes throughout the Lord's Day should be in keeping with the highest ideals of the day. They suggested that all direct advertising of goods be eliminated on that day. '''"NOT TRUE BASIS."''' "We feel that the present basis on which services are allocated among the denominations," Mr. Burton continued, "does not cater sufficiently for that large section of the community represented by this and similar councils for whom a liturgical form of service has no appeal. The present basis of allocation, whereby the proportion of services is determined by the denominational strength as indicated by the census returns, does not give a true indication of the relative strength of the denominations. We suggest that a more accurate basis would be obtained by a comparison of the numbers of communicant members as reported in the statistical returns of the various denominations." Mr. Burton pointed out that for Northern Tasmania there was only one national station and, in consequence, for a large proportion of the State there was no alternative programme. This meant that broadcasts from local churches were restricted to the evening services, all morning services being rebroadcast from mainland stations. The council suggested that a proportion at least of the morning services might be broadcast from the local churches, in addition to the evening service at present broadcast, believing that there was much more local interest in local services than in those relayed from other States. In addition to present religious broadcasts, there might be devotional periods on each day of the week, say, between 6 and 7 p.m. '''CONSIDERED UNDESIRABLE.''' Other suggestions by the council were: All broadcasts detrimental to the spiritual wellbeing of the people should be eliminated: the broadcasting of racing results and betting transactions should be reduced to a minimum; propaganda supporting the liquor traffic was equally undesirable (the official desire recently expressed that Australian homes should become wine-drinking to help Australian industry was deprecated); all "horror" tales should be eliminated and greater attention should be paid to broadcasts for children. "We understand that the broadcasting of church services through commercial stations is impossible because the lines from the churches are owned and controlled by the broadcasting commission," Mr. Burton added. "We submit that it might be possible for those lines to be used for broadcasts of church services if churches were able, by their own initiative, to arrange for them with commercial stations." Mr. A. D. Towner, general manager and a director of the Burnie Broadcasting Co., said the principal reason for the establishment of 7BU was to give North-West Coast farmers a service which they did not get otherwise, and it had proved of considerable value to them. He outlined the church services provided, and claimed that Sunday advertising was not excessive. A children's club was popular, and had raised much money for charities and war funds. Since the beginning of the war, about £5000 had passed through the station's charitable account. The money thus raised was distributed without cost. The committee returned to the mainland later in the day. Members are Sir Charles Marr (deputy chairman), Dr. Grenfell Price, M.H.R., Senator S. K. Amour, Messrs. A. A. Calwell and W. J. F. Riordan, M's.H.R.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68347791 |title=Broadcasting Inquiry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 August 1941 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1941 09===== =====1941 10===== =====1941 11===== =====1941 12===== ====1942==== =====1942 01===== =====1942 02===== =====1942 03===== =====1942 04===== =====1942 05===== =====1942 06===== =====1942 07===== =====1942 08===== =====1942 09===== =====1942 10===== =====1942 11===== =====1942 12===== ====1943==== =====1943 01===== =====1943 02===== =====1943 03===== =====1943 04===== =====1943 05===== =====1943 06===== =====1943 07===== =====1943 08===== =====1943 09===== =====1943 10===== =====1943 11===== =====1943 12===== ====1944==== =====1944 01===== =====1944 02===== =====1944 03===== =====1944 04===== =====1944 05===== =====1944 06===== =====1944 07===== =====1944 08===== =====1944 09===== =====1944 10===== =====1944 11===== =====1944 12===== ====1945==== =====1945 01===== =====1945 02===== =====1945 03===== =====1945 04===== =====1945 05===== =====1945 06===== =====1945 07===== =====1945 08===== =====1945 09===== =====1945 10===== =====1945 11===== =====1945 12===== ====1946==== =====1946 01===== =====1946 02===== =====1946 03===== =====1946 04===== =====1946 05===== =====1946 06===== =====1946 07===== =====1946 08===== =====1946 09===== =====1946 10===== =====1946 11===== =====1946 12===== ====1947==== =====1947 01===== =====1947 02===== =====1947 03===== =====1947 04===== =====1947 05===== =====1947 06===== =====1947 07===== =====1947 08===== =====1947 09===== =====1947 10===== =====1947 11===== =====1947 12===== ====1948==== =====1948 01===== =====1948 02===== =====1948 03===== =====1948 04===== =====1948 05===== =====1948 06===== 7BU frequency to change from 1250 to 660 kHz as part of the 1948 restack <blockquote>'''ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS.''' HOBART, Monday.— The wavelengths of 24 Australian broadcasting stations, including three in Tasmania, would be changed from September 1, the Postmaster-General (Senator Cameron) announced today. New frequencies for Tasmanian stations, with their present wavelengths in parentheses, will be: 7BU, 1250 (660); 7EX, Launceston, 1010 (1000); 7ZR, Hobart, 940 (1160). The changes had been approved, said Senator Cameron, following discussions between New Zealand and Australian postal representatives. Some frequencies of New Zealand stations also would be rearranged. Wavelength channels available for joint use by Australia and New Zealand did not permit each station the exclusive use of a channel, he said. In some cases there was no alternative to one wavelength being shared by stations of both countries. In drawing up the revised allocation plan, special endeavors had been made to cause the least possible inconvenience to listeners. At the same time, the conference sought to provide facility for development of broadcasting systems in both countries to the maximum degree, consistent with total channels available and listeners' distribution.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69115416 |title=ALTERATION OF BROADCASTING WAVELENGTHS |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 June 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 07===== =====1948 08===== =====1948 09===== 7BU frequency changed from 660 to 1250 kHz <blockquote>'''7EX WAVELENGTH CHANGED TODAY''' IN ORDER to maintain present good listening conditions, 7EX, "The Examiner" Station, will, from this morning, broadcast on a slightly altered wavelength. AS shown in the accompanying reproduction of a radio dial, the change will be very small, the dotted line representing the new position of the pointer as compared with the old position shown by the solid line. The change has been arranged by the Postmaster-General's Department to avoid possible interference from new stations being established in New Zealand, 7EX being one of 23 stations throughout Australia similarly affected. The actual change in frequency of the 7EX transmitter is 10 kilocycles, from 1000 k.c. to 1010 k.c. In almost all receivers this will mean only a slight movement of the dial indicator to the right or left, depending on the make of set. On most sets a movement of only one-eighth of an inch will be required, though a little more may be needed on some older sets. Unless this small alteration is made, sets will be slightly off-tune and reception may be a little distorted. Moving the dial indicator will immediately correct this. Slight as the change is, it will enable 7EX, despite the establishment of powerful new stations in New Zealand to maintain its present strong and reliable transmission throughout Tasmania. The only other Tasmanian station affected is 7BU, the frequency of which has been altered from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. A Victorian station, 3GI, which is heard in Northern Tasmania, has been changed from 830 k.c. to 560 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52647228 |title=7EX WAVE-LENGTH CHANGED TO-DAY |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=148 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=1 September 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Contrary to the foregoing, frequency not altered <blockquote>'''WAVELENGTH NOT ALTERED.''' ADVICE has been received from the Postmaster-General's Department that the alteration of the wavelength of 7BU, Burnie, has been deferred temporarily. Earlier it was announced that the station's frequency would be changed from 660 k.c. to 1250 k.c. 7BU is still operating on its old frequency of 660 k.c.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52648263 |title=WAVE-LENGTH NOT ALTERED |newspaper=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)]] |volume=CVII, |issue=157 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1948 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 10===== 7BU again changes frequency to 810 kHz <blockquote>'''BURNIE. RADIO WAVE-LENGTHS.'''— The object of changes in wavelengths of various Australian radio stations now being brought about is to avoid interference and give clearer reception. The question has been under consideration for about 12 months by the Postmaster-General's Department, which has been working in close co-operation with, the New Zealand authorities. From next Monday 7BU, one of the stations affected by the change, will operate on the 810 kilocycles — 370 metre band.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69192575 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 October 1948 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1948 11===== =====1948 12===== ====1949==== =====1949 01===== =====1949 02===== =====1949 03===== =====1949 04===== =====1949 05===== =====1949 06===== 7BU Chief Engineer, Tas. Lord, gives talk on frequency modulation to meeting of Devonport Baptist Men's Society <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . MEN'S SOCIETY.'''— Last evening 22 members of the Devonport Baptist Men's Society were guests of the local society at its monthly tea and meeting. The chairman (Mr. H. Trevarthen) welcomed the visitors, on whose behalf Mr. L. Daglish, responded. Rev. V. G. Britton, E.D., conducted devotions. The speaker was Mr. Tas Lord, chief engineer of 7BU, 7AD, and 7DY, whose subject was "Frequency Modulation." On behalf of the two societies, Mr. Tas. Vertigan thanked the speaker. The Devonport visitors attended the evening service.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69361675 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=6 June 1949 |accessdate=28 June 2026 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1949 07===== =====1949 08===== =====1949 09===== =====1949 10===== =====1949 11===== =====1949 12===== ===1950s=== ====1950==== =====1950 01===== =====1950 02===== =====1950 03===== =====1950 04===== =====1950 05===== =====1950 06===== =====1950 07===== =====1950 08===== <blockquote>'''Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania. STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY.''' RADIO Station 7HO, Hobart, the first commercial broadcasting station established in Tasmania, will celebrate its 20th birthday anniversary today. THE history of the station forms part of the interesting story of the remarkable growth of broadcasting in Australia. Commercial broadcasting was in its infancy when Mr. S. H. Findlay obtained a licence for a "B" class station in April, 1930, and four months later 7HO went on the air. From that beginning a Tasmania-wide broadcasting network consisting of stations 7HO, 7LA Launceston, 7BU Burnie, 7QT Queenstown, and 7DY Derby, has been developed. This network is linked with the Macquarie Broadcasting Network, consisting of 21 stations in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, West Australia, and Tasmania. Station 7HO is now operated by Commercial Broadcasters Pty. Ltd., the directors being Messrs. G. F. Davies, L. Nettlefold, and S. T. Sims. '''One-Room Studio.''' When 7HO went on the air for the first time in 1930, it had a one-room "studio," which served also as an office and reception room for callers. Consequently, when the microphone circuit was open, the typist had to cease typing, and strict silence had to be maintained by everyone except the announcer. The first transmitter used by the station was of only 50 watts, compared with the 500-watt transmitter used today. It was designed and built by Mr. R. S. Hope, who later helped design and install some of the large transmitters used by the B.B.C. for its oversea service. However, it is a far cry from the days of the station's 50-watt trans-mitter, and today the technical excellence of 7HO's transmissions has won the station an enviable reputation in the field of Tasmanian radio. Commenting yesterday on the great strides made in the television field, the manager of 7HO (Mr. E. McRae) said his station hoped eventually to play its part in the establishment of television services in this State. '''Chimes Broadcast.''' Station 7HO was the first station in Tasmania to broadcast the chimes of Hobart's G.P.O. clock, and an incident connected with that event is well worth recording. A special landline was run from the studio to the clock tower, and the present engineer in charge of 7HO (Mr. J. S. Dodds) supervised the installation of a microphone in order to obtain an "on-the-spot" recording of the chimes. On the day chosen for the chimes to boom forth over the length and breadth of the State, Mr. Dodds visited the clock tower for a final check up. When he had satisfied himself that everything was "set" for the big broadcast, he found that some careless person had locked him in, and his loud cries for help went unheard. He had no way of making contact with the "outside world," as the microphone, although connected with the studio, was not due to be switched on until the noon chimes boomed forth. Consequently, when thousands of Tasmanians were waiting to hear the chimes being broadcast, an anxious voice came over the air asking for someone to open the door of the clock tower and "let me out." The first two announcers of 7HO were Mr. John Montford, an English tenor, and Miss Marie Langdon. A former station announcer, Mr. Michael Elsdell, is now N.S.W. programme director for the Australian Broadcasting Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article26720539 |title=Pioneered Commercial Radio In Tasmania STATION 7HO TWENTY YEARS OLD TODAY |newspaper=[[The Mercury]] |volume=CLXVII, |issue=24,861 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 August 1950 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1950 09===== =====1950 10===== =====1950 11===== =====1950 12===== ====1951==== =====1951 01===== =====1951 02===== =====1951 03===== =====1951 04===== =====1951 05===== =====1951 06===== =====1951 07===== =====1951 08===== =====1951 09===== =====1951 10===== =====1951 11===== =====1951 12===== Detailed report of fire which put 7BU off air (refer next article) <blockquote>'''70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING''' DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT Seventy-year old stables, a relic of the early coaching days, at the rear of the Bay View Hotel, Marine Terrace, Burnie, were completely destroyed in a spectacular fire last evening. Fireman Ronald Braddon Chapman suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bicycle while racing to the fire station. No theory has yet been advanced as to the cause of the fire, which was first noticed by Detective-Sergeant H. T. Reid from Wilson Street at 9.15 p.m. A big crowd converged at the scene, where willing helpers removed seven motor cars, a delivery float and boat and trailer from a blazing garage. Five motor vehicles also were removed from Mr. A. Hancock's adjoining garage. The hotel garage and old stables are leased by Mr. Daniel Williams. Two or three delivery horses are regularly stabled there, and at times the number is much higher, but, owing to the holidays, all had been turned out to grass. Mr. Williams said he inspected the garage at 9 p.m. before retiring to bed in nearby premises, and was shocked when told by his wife that the stables were alight. The old tinder-dry building burned like a blazing torch in the centre of the business section of the town and showered sparks into Wilson Street. An oil-storage shed at the corner of Mr. Hancock's garage became ignited, and it was feared that petrol bowsers in the driveway would add to the conflagration. Businessmen with premises on the eastern side of Wilson Street hastily removed to places of safety large sums of money, the results of late Christmas shopping. Despite a stiff easterly breeze and the fact that the fire spread to the hotel garage and laundry, the Fire Brigade made a good save. Hoses were run from hydrants in Marine Terrace and Wilson Street. Firemen were aided in their work by a good pressure of water. Those early on the scene smashed the windows of locked cars to remove them to safety. Although they worked rapidly, the paintwork of several was blistered. A delivery cart, the property of the Don Trading Co., was hauled out with the canopy and framework blazing, and a fishing dinghy, net and trailer, valued at £100, the property of Mr. F. Senior, was badly charred. Mrs. L. Burk, George Town, who has been holidaying in Burnie since Monday, and had her car parked in the garage, suffered the greatest loss among the motorists. Her sedan, with partial fabric canopy, was the last vehicle to be removed, and was pushed on to Marine Terrace. It was later discovered that the canopy had burned through and the car was blazing inside. Windows were smashed to put out the fire. Luggage was damaged and the paintwork was badly scorched. Hundreds of people crowded into the rear of the hotel to see the fire, but it was under control in an hour. '''SERIOUS INJURIES.''' Mr. Chapman (47), married, of 38 Jones St., Burnie, had almost reached the Fire Station when he collided with Mr. Arthur Alex. Johnston (70), married, of 27 Jones St. Chapman suffered a fractured skull, concussion and lacerations, and was unconscious when admitted to hospital. His condition early this morning was serious. Mr. Johnston suffered concussion and lacerations to the face, and was semiconscious when taken to hospital. His condition is not serious.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779329 |title=70-YEAR OLD RELIC OF COACHING DAYS RAZED: FIREMAN HURT |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Local fire puts 7BU off-air (refer previous) <blockquote>'''Put 7BU off the air.''' The fire put 7BU off the air. The base of the aerial mast caught alight and the flames jumped to the 60ft. level, igniting the tarred rope halyard fastening the aerial. This burned through and let the aerial down. It was impossible to estimate the damage last night, but arrangements were made for the ordinary 7BU programmes to be broadcast from 7AD Devonport on the latter station's wavelength till repairs are effected.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91779351 |title=Put 7BU off the air |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=27 December 1951 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=1 (DAILY) |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1952==== =====1952 01===== =====1952 02===== =====1952 03===== Power failure puts 7BU off-air, no point in standby power since 95% receivers electrically operated <blockquote>'''Power failure causes heavy losses to industry.''' Losses amounting to thousands of pounds occurred in industry of the North-West Coast yesterday through the power failure caused by the breakdown of a transformer at the Burnie substation. Many factories and timber mills were shut down, and others operated with considerably reduced output. It is feared that if the breakdown be prolonged many employees will be stood down. The superintendent of A.P.P.M. Ltd. (Mr. H. K. Shirrefs) said the power failure was costing the company thousands of pounds daily. About 85 p.c. of the plant was shut down. With the use of its own steam plant, it was continuing part-time production on one machine, which was a piece-meal job. The 15 p.c. production would continue 24 hours daily until hydro power was fully restored. So far none of the staff had been stood down. The superintendent of the hardboard mill (Mr. J. J. Graham) said that if the breakdown were prolonged for several days it would be necessary to review the staff position. Sixty men were employed in the mill, which had a normal output of 75,000 sq. ft. of board every 24 hours. '''FACTORIES CLOSED DOWN.''' The manager of Australian Titan Products Pty. Ltd. (Mr. W. F. Backhouse) said the factory was completely closed and loss of production amounted to more than £2000 per day. The factory would not be able to operate until full power was restored. The company was installing a 300 h.p. alternator which would save having to close down vital sections of the plant. This was scheduled for completion next Thursday, but because of the power failure all available labor was diverted to the work yesterday and it was hoped installation would be completed by midnight. This would avoid damage to vital sections of the plant. There were 145 men employed at the factory, and if the breakdown were prolonged serious thought would have to be given to the staff position. Freezer chambers at the North-Western Co-Operative Freezing and Canning Co's works at Somerset are being maintained at an even temperature by the use of a 30 h.p. wood-fired steam emergency plant which has not been in regular use for almost 20 years. The manager (Mr. A. G. Poulton) said yesterday it would provide only one-third off the normal power used at the works and would be barely sufficient to hold the freezers at a reasonable temperature. There were 45,000 boxes of butter and 350 tons of meat in storage. The worst feature was that all slaughtering and production of smallgoods had to cease, and with a staff of 44 the company was paying out £100 per day in wages. With a standby power plant installed about 12 months ago, the Emu Bay Railway Co. was able to maintain about two thirds of its normal activity. The manager (Mr. F. McCormick) said particular attention was being given to railway work, but the company was also continuing with a limited amount of engineering. The Burnie Broadcasting Station 7BU was off the air all day until the limited service from Railton was connected at 8 p.m. The manager (Mr. A. D. Towner) said it was useless to consider installing an emergency plant, as a recent survey showed that 95 p.c. of the receivers were electrically operated. A grave feature of the sta-tion being without power was that it could not broadcast important Government announcements. An urgent message was received from the Forestry Department at 5 p.m. announcing a high fire hazard throughout the State, but was not possible to get the message over the air. "This breakdown could have been avoided", said Mr. Towner. "Ten years ago I warned the Premier (Mr. Cosgrove) of the danger of the centralisation of power. There are hundreds of tons of water running to waste daily on the North-West Coast, which could easily be conserved and used for the generation of power". '''Dairying chaos''' The breakdown caused greatest confusion in the dairying industry. Many farmers with large herds were unable to milk without additional labor, and it is feared some will lose production for the remainder of the season. Some hooked tractors to milking machines to beat the power failure. A machinery agent in Circular Head said that if they had been available he could have sold hundreds of engines for milking machines. A Smithton farmer with 70 cows at 5 p.m. yesterday had not milked from the previous day, and it would take over eight hours to do the job by hand. Labor was not available, and he was faced with the prospect of the cows going out of production. The manager of the North-Western Co-operative Dairy Co. Ltd. (Mr. R. P. Johnson) said there were about 3000 gallons of cream in the Burnie factory ready for churning. It was standing in vats without refrigeration. Failing restoration of power, the only alternative would be to transport it either to the Devonport or Deloraine factories for processing. The manager of the Duck River Co-Operative Butter Factory Co. Ltd. (Mr. G. A. Wilson) said the company had 5500 gallons of cream, valued at £3500, in vats and cans waiting for processing. It could be held until noon today for choice butter making, but would then start to deteriorate. He was endeavoring to arrange for it to be processed at another factory. The manager of the Table Cape Butter Factory (Mr. E. R. Neilson) said that about 2000 gallons of cream were stored in the Wynyard factory. It would be a total loss unless it was processed by this evening. The manager of the Yolla Dairy Co. (Mr. A. Oborne) said his company stood to lose more than £600 unless 1000 gallons of cream could be processed by 6 a.m. today. Cadbury-Fry-Pascall dumped 7000 gallons of milk at their treatment plants at Cooee and Edith Creek. The manager (Mr. H. Henderson) said power from Railton arrived too late to treat it.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69250654 |title=Power failure causes heavy losses to industry |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=7 March 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 04===== =====1952 05===== =====1952 06===== New transmitter for 7BU <blockquote>'''New7BU transmitter.''' 7BU's new transmitter at Cooee, which came into operation on Saturday. The unit, which includes a standby transmitter, is operated by remote control from the Burnie studio, and also has an automatic voltage regulator. It is the first of its type in Australia, and was wholly designed and built by 7BU radio engineers. ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69461905 |title=New7BU transmitter |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=3 June 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 07===== =====1952 08===== =====1952 09===== Former 7BU masts being dismantled <blockquote>'''COMING DOWN.''' One of the two 130-ft. aerial masts behind 7BU broadcasting: station in Wilson Street, Burnie, which are being dismantled as a safety precaution. The station is now operating from its new transmitter at Cooee, and the masts in Wilson Street are no longer required. — ADVOCATE<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69445836 |title=COMING DOWN |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=11 September 1952 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1952 10===== =====1952 11===== =====1952 12===== ====1953==== =====1953 01===== =====1953 02===== =====1953 03===== =====1953 04===== =====1953 05===== =====1953 06===== New 7AD Studios opened, staff connected to 7BU <blockquote>'''NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED.''' The building of new studios for 7AD was a step forward, not only for the proprietors, but also for the people of Devonport, said the Acting Premier (Mr. Fagan), when officially opening the studios on Saturday night. More than 200 people attended the opening at the Elizabeth Mary Lounge. The official guests included Mr. Fagan, the chairman of directors of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. (Mr. A. P. Findlay), Senator G. R. Cole, Messrs. A. W. Luck, M.H.R., Alex Lillico, M.L.C., A. E. D. Lillico, M.L.C., K. O. Lyons, M.H.A., Crs. M. F. Holman (Warden of Devonport), A. T. Cutts, M.L.C. (Latrobe), G. M. Lakin (Ulverstone), J. Stewart (Kentish), Mr. J. de Cure, representing the Australian Broadcasting Control Board, Rev. H. A. Jerrim, chairman of the Devonport Ministers' Fraternal, and Fr. D. Shaw. Mr. Fagan said it was only a little more than 50 years ago that wireless was invented, and since then it had made great progress. He recalled that the first two stations in Australia were erected at Queenscliff and Devonport. "The people who work to bring radio programmes to the people are doing a great service, and I am sure the building of the new studios will in turn be of great value to them," he said. Mr. Findlay, introducing the Acting Premier, said that through the help of the public of the North-west Coast, 7AD had expanded so that it was now one of the leading radio stations in the State. He believed the time was not far distant when television would to a great extent replace sound radio. He thought it could be introduced to Australia within a few months, and hoped the Government would see fit to foster it. The other members of the official party also spoke. The station was originally 7UV in Ulverstone, and the first manager was Mr. Eric Wood. When it was bought by the present proprietors, nearly 14 years ago, Mr. Wood continued to be manager for some time. He was succeeded by Mr. R. E. Ward, the present manager of 7LA, Launceston. Mr. Ward's successor was Mr. A. D. Towner, who held the position of joint manager of 7AD and 7BU. The present manager of the station is Mr. Doug Charlton, who was previously connected with 7BU and 7DY. He spent some time as an announcer at 7AD before going to New Zealand. On his return he received his appointment to Devonport. 7AD now carries a staff of 15. There are three engineers, six announcers, and an office staff of five. The studios are situated on the first floor of the Launceston Bank for Savings in Rooke st. The opening ceremony was concluded with a programme by Tom Martin and Gwyneth Dixon (songs), Henry Mamonski (piano accordion). Vin Mueller (piano), Messrs. E. Stevens, D. Lawson, M. Dawes and T. Martin sang as a quartet, and an instrumental trio. Marion Johnson, Ena Twibell and Henry Jacobsen, played throughout the evening.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69478515 |title=NEW 7AD STUDIOS OPENED |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 June 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 07===== =====1953 08===== =====1953 09===== 7BU Manager Tas. Lord appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations <blockquote>'''BURNIE. . . . RADIO HONOR.'''— Mr. Tas. Lord, manager of radio station 7BU, has been appointed State vice president-elect of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations. He was notified of his appointment at the State executive meeting in Launceston on Tuesday. He will take up his duties for the year 1953-54 after the federation convention at Surfers' Paradise, Queensland, from October 19. This is the first time for many years the appointment has come to the North-west Coast.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69491303 |title=BURNIE |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=26 September 1953 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1953 10===== =====1953 11===== =====1953 12===== ====1954==== =====1954 01===== Small fire near 7BU studios causes minor damage to 7BU premises <blockquote>'''Firemen hacked hydrant clear.''' Firemen had to spend about 20 minutes hacking through about an inch of bitumen on the footpath to uncover two fire plugs after they had attended a fire in the main business centre of Burnie last night. The fire was noticed about 9.30 in a pile of shavings in the yard behind Gill's sports store in Wilson Street, but luckily firemen did not have to use their hoses. About half a dozen wooden palings and a post in the fence separating the premises from 7BU were burnt. It is not known how the fire started. The fire was put out in a few minutes with buckets of water. The nearest plug to the fire was only a few yards from the mouth of the laneway to the entrance of 7BU. However, brigade members had to hack through the footpath with an axe to get to it. Another plug in front of the Tourist Bureau also had to be cut out. In the event of a bad fire, firemen would have had to unearth the plug or find an alternative one. Several old, unusable plugs were in clear view between the two sealed ones. The brigade was also out for about one and a half hours yesterday afternoon at a fire in Mooreville Road. The fire, reported at about 12.45 p.m., broke out in a woodheap of Mr Ken. Medwin's property. It was estimated that about 20 tons of wood was destroyed. Using a suction pump, the brigade attempted to quell the blaze with water from a storage tank. However, the water supply was insufficient and the heap had to be pulled apart. It is thought the fire started from one of several heaps of chips which had been raked up and lit.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69883074 |title=Firemen hacked hydrant clear |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=21 January 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 02===== =====1954 03===== =====1954 04===== =====1954 05===== 7BU's first manager passes in hospital <blockquote>'''MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL.''' Mr. Arthur D. Towner, M.B.E., who was managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, from 1935 until 1952, died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, yesterday. He was aged 70. Mr. Towner and his wife, came from England to Australia soon after the first world war. He was employed in Sydney by Elby and Co., a musical firm. In 1931 Mr. Towner joined the staff of Findlays Pty. Ltd., Hobart. A short while later he was made manager of the firm's Burnie branch. When radio station 7BU was inaugurated in 1935, Mr. Towner was appointed managing director, a position which he held until his retirement in 1952. He also was managing secretary of the Tasmanian Coastal Network, which covers stations 7BU, 7AD, 7DY (Derby) and 7QT (Queenstown). Mr. Towner was awarded the M.B.E. in 1948. In his capacity as manager of 7BU, he organised and conducted many appeals for hospitals and for crippled children. During World War II he organised the Spitfire Fund and the Burnie Prisoner of War fund. He also founded the Sunpolishers' Club at 7BU, which is directed mainly in the interests of children. Mr. Towner is survived by his wife, Ethel Francis, son Rex (Perth, W.A.) and daughters Irene (Mrs. G. Lindsay, Sydney) and Olive (Mrs. H. C. Butler, Hobart). The funeral will be at the Wivenhoe Cemetery tomorrow after a service in the Burnie Baptist Church, beginning at 10 a.m. Mr. A. D. Towner<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971273 |title=MR. A. D. TOWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=10 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Obituary for 7BU's first manager <blockquote>'''OBITUARY. Mr. A. D. Towner.''' Mr. Arthur Danesbury Towner, M.B.E., former managing director of radio station 7BU, Burnie, and manager of 7AD, Devonport, who died in the Spencer Hospital, Wynyard, on Sunday, was buried in the Wivenhoe Cemetery yesterday. Services were conducted at the Burnie Baptist Church and at the graveside by the Rev. M. D. Brewer. Chief mourners were Mrs. Towner (widow) and daughters, Mesdames H. C. Butler (Hobart) and G. Lindsay (Sydney). His only son, Rex, resides in Perth, W.A. Carriers were Messrs. T. Lord (representing the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations), J. Trethewie, H. C. Butler (son-in-law) and K. A. Findlay. Pallbearers were Messrs. S. Broad, J. D. Spotswood, L. E. Ormerod, B. A. Findlay, A. P. Findlay and D. Charlton. Floral tributes were received from vice-presidents, officers and members of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations (Tasmanian Branch) ; pastor, officers, members and friends, Burnie Baptist Church; proprietors of "The Advocate"; directors, management and staff 7BU, Burnie; directors and staff, 7QT, Queenstown; directors, management and staff 7LA, Launceston; directors, management and staff 7AD, Devonport; directors, management and staff, Findlays Pty. Ltd., head office and branches; Florette Florists; 7BU choir members; management and staff, A.N. A., Burnie; R.S.L. subbranch, Burnie; management and staff, Findlays Pty. Ltd., Burnie; Mia Mia Cafe; members, Young Women's Christian Association, Burnie; Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women; Society for Crippled Children, Launceston; manager and staff, E.S. and A. Bank, Burnie; 7HO commercial station, Hobart; Baptist Women's Auxiliary, Burnie; J. Overall Pty. Ltd. The deceased was very interested in the activities of the Burnie subbranch of the Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women. He was an honorary member for several years and strongly supported all charitable appeals conducted by the subbranch and assisted the legion in an advisory and practical manner.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69971544 |title=OBITUARY |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=12 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> Tasman Lord appointed director of 7BU's licensee company <blockquote>'''Personal.''' Mr. Tasman Lord, of Burnie, manager of 7BU radio station of the Tasmanian Coastal Network, has been appointed a director of Burnie Broadcasting Service Pty. Ltd. Mr. Douglas Charlton, of Devonport, manager of 7AD, has been appointed a director of Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty. Ltd. The appointments were announced yesterday by Mr. A. P. Findlay, of Launceston, chairman of directors of both companies. Mr. Lord, who is State vice-president of the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasting Stations, has been associated with 7BU since it began operations in 1935. Mr. Charlton, who is Tasmanian secretary of the federation, had experience on the mainland and was manager of 7DY Derby before taking up his position at Devonport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69972434 |title=Personal |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=18 May 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> =====1954 06===== =====1954 07===== =====1954 08===== =====1954 09===== =====1954 10===== =====1954 11===== =====1954 12===== Christmas party for Findlay's, 7BU and 7AD <blockquote>'''AROUND AND ABOUT.''' REGENT Hotel, Burnie, was scene of happy Christmas party last week, when Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Findlay, of Launceston, were hosts at a dinner and cabaret dance to members of Findlays stores, and staff of 7BU and 7AD. After dinner all present received gifts from the gaily decorated Christmas tree. Dancing, items and community singing in the cabaret, bright with festive decorations were enjoyed. With Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Findlay at the official table were Mr. and Mrs. K. A. Findlay, Mr. B. A. Findlay and Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Walsh, from Launceston. Also in the official party were Mr. and Mrs. T. Lord, Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Charlton, Mr. and Mrs. J. Henty, Mr. and Mrs. D. Lawson, Mr. and Mrs. C. Reid, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Trethewey, Mr. and Mrs. M. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. R. Haley and Mrs. R. V. Gee. Mrs. A. P. Findlay's elegant gown of Regency blue chantilly lace was fashioned with softly draped skirt and bolero styled bodice. Shoulder spray of pink roses toned with elbow-length kid gloves. Pearl necklace and earrings were worn. Matching posy was tucked in waist line of Mrs. K. A. Findlay's frock of maise shaded nylon patterned in white floral design. Skirt was ballerina-length, and deep rounded neckline had large scallop edge. Pearl necklace was effective. Mrs. M. Walsh's frock of ice-blue cloque had fully gathered skirt, with wide belt and tie ends. Pleats on bodice were caught with large red roses. Soft folds from neckline of Mrs. T. Lord's pretty frock of green, black and grey, floral nylon were caught into cumberbund style waistline, and skirt was ballerina length. Mrs. John Henty's frock of "discipline" cotton in mushroom shade was etched with black tree tracing. Skirt had rainbow pleats and bodice softly folded to a deep V-neckline. Bows of narrow black velvet ribbon trimmed blouse of rose pink seer-sucker nylon worn by Mrs. Don Lawson with her evening ballerina skirt of black English crepe. Mrs. D. H Charlton pinned a spray of lemon shadow roses at neckline of her model frock of seaspray green paper shantung. Skirt was draped to fullness at back. Others present included Mr. and Mrs. C. Neal, Misses C. Baldock, J. Northrop, P. Quirk and K. Hall; Messrs. R. A. Dawson, R. Cure and R. Ling (7BU) ; Mr. and Mrs. W. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. R. Thomas, Misses K. McCoy, M. McNally, J. Rough, P. Sturgess, Messrs. Max Taylor and Allen Masey (7AD) ; Mr. and Mrs. N. Hewitt, Miss M. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. M. Diprose. Mr. and Mrs. R. O'Leary (Burnie); Mrs. Pullen, Miss Woodcock and Mr. Burford (Devonport); Mr. and Mrs. A. Hunt, Miss Marcia Moore and Mr. Tom Ling (Smithton).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article69867202 |title=THE WORLD OF WOMEN.. |newspaper=[[The Advocate (Australia)]] |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=29 December 1954 |accessdate=11 July 2026 |page=13 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref></blockquote> ====1955==== =====1955 01===== =====1955 02===== =====1955 03===== =====1955 04===== =====1955 05===== =====1955 06===== =====1955 07===== =====1955 08===== =====1955 09===== =====1955 10===== =====1955 11===== =====1955 12===== ====1956==== =====1956 01===== =====1956 02===== =====1956 03===== =====1956 04===== =====1956 05===== =====1956 06===== =====1956 07===== =====1956 08===== =====1956 09===== =====1956 10===== =====1956 11===== =====1956 12===== ====1957==== =====1957 01===== =====1957 02===== =====1957 03===== =====1957 04===== =====1957 05===== =====1957 06===== =====1957 07===== =====1957 08===== =====1957 09===== =====1957 10===== =====1957 11===== 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12===== ====1997==== =====1997 01===== =====1997 02===== =====1997 03===== =====1997 04===== =====1997 05===== =====1995 06===== =====1995 07===== =====1997 08===== =====1997 09===== =====1997 10===== =====1997 11===== =====1997 12===== ====1998==== =====1998 01===== =====1998 02===== =====1998 03===== =====1998 04===== =====1998 05===== =====1998 06===== =====1998 07===== =====1998 08===== =====1998 09===== =====1998 10===== =====1998 11===== =====1998 12===== ====1999==== =====1999 01===== =====1999 02===== =====1999 03===== =====1999 04===== =====1999 05===== =====1999 06===== =====1999 07===== =====1999 08===== =====1999 09===== =====1999 10===== =====1999 11===== =====1999 12===== ==References== {{Reflist}} {{BookCat}} fv6jtrm77wujr1aykpr1j938ijlpn05 A User's Guide to Reason/Introduction 0 479515 4653484 4612253 2026-07-10T13:48:30Z Thierry Dugnolle 2807160 Preliminary: a theory of essences 4653484 wikitext text/x-wiki ''- ... I'm willing to join you in examining virtue and inquiring into what it could be.'' ''- But how will you inquire into this, Socrates, when you don't at all know what it is? For what sort of thing, from among those you don't know, will you put forward as the thing you're inquiring into? And even if you really encounter it, how will you know that this is the thing you didn't know?'' ''- I understand the sort of thing you want to say, Meno. Do you see what an eristic argument you're introducing, that its not possible for someone to inquire either into that which he knows or into that which he doesn't know? For he wouldn't inquire into that which he knows (for he knows it, and there is no need for such a person to inquire); nor into that which he doesn't know (for he doesn't even know what he'll inquire into).'' (Plato, ''Meno'' 80de, translated by Gail Fine, in ''The possibility of inquiry, Meno's paradox from Socrates to Sextus'', 2014) Reason is about thinking and acting well, acquiring knowledge and using it wisely. Reason dictates that knowledge must be reflective. If we don't know that we know, then it's not rational knowledge. To be rational, we must therefore know how to observe knowledge. To search, one must know what one is searching for. One must know how to observe whether one has found what one is searching for; otherwise, it is vain to search for it. To search for knowledge, therefore, one must know how to observe knowledge. Epistemology is knowledge about knowledge. It provides the laws for observing all knowledge. We can think of irrational forms of knowledge: animal knowledge, wordless knowledge, and unreflective knowledge. Epistemology in the broad sense is rational knowledge about all knowledge, whether rational or not. Epistemology in the strict sense is rational knowledge about rational knowledge. This book is devoted to epistemology in the strict sense. Throughout this text, knowledge always means rational knowledge. Knowledge is a truth obtained through good work. To observe knowledge, therefore, one must observe truth and goodness. We can distinguish three forms of truth: logical truth, truth about Nature, and ethical truth. The first chapter of this book is devoted to logical truth, the next to truth about Nature and ethical truth. The third chapter is devoted to epistemology. Logical, or mathematical, truths are the truths about everything that is logically possible. To be logically possible is to be absolutely possible. Nothing can exist without being logically possible. Logical truths are the most general. Truths about Nature are the truths about matter, life, and mind. Ethical truths are the truths about good and evil. We understand good and evil through ideals. An ideal prescribes good and forbids evil. An ideal is like an instrument for observing good and evil. Epistemology (in the strict sense) is fundamentally ethical knowledge because it defines an ideal of rational knowledge. This ideal is like an instrument for observing reason. By providing the laws for observing knowledge, epistemology gives us the ability to observe all forms of knowledge. We acquire knowledge by observing that it is knowledge. Epistemology thus provides the ability to acquire all forms of knowledge. This short treatise is a user's guide to reason because it gives the most fundamental principles of the most fundamental sciences, from which all knowledge can be based, and because it shows how to observe and acquire all knowledge. == Preliminary: a theory of essences == An essence is a property, a quality, a concept, an attribute, and a predicate. All these terms are treated here as synonymous. A relation between two terms, x and y, is a property of the ordered pair (x, y). For instance, love is a property of (x, y) if and only if x loves y. (x, y) must be distinguished from (y, x) because "x loves y" differs from "y loves x". x is essential to y if and only if y cannot exist without x. x is an essential property of y if and only if y cannot exist without possessing property x. The essence of a being is the conjunction of its essential properties. The essence of a being is the conjunction of the essences that are essential to that being. A conjunction of properties is itself a property; therefore, the essence of a being is an essence. It is essential for an essence to be capable of attribution. Even an essence that is attributed to nothing—such as "being a nothingness," since nothing is a nothingness—can be falsely attributed to a being. A predicate is a statement containing free variables. For example, x and y are the free variables of the predicate "x loves y". A predicate is predicated, or attributed, when its free variables are replaced by constants. A predicate is an expression that names a concept and can be identified with the concept it names. When we observe that a being possesses a property, we simultaneously observe the presence of that being and the presence of its property. Essences exist in our world as soon as they hold true for at least one being within that world. Our world is part of their world. Their world is the world of all possibilities, and our world is included in it. x is an essence if and only if (there exists a system of laws such that an attribution of x is true if and only if it accords with those laws). The essence of an essence—the essential property of an essence—is to reveal the truth when it is attributed in accordance with its laws. If there were no law, there would be no essence, because to be an essence, there must be laws governing its attribution. If there were no essence, there would be nothing, because to exist, one must possess properties. Therefore, if there were no law, there would be nothing. In the beginning was the law. One must distinguish between beauty and the essence of beauty. Both are essences, yet they differ. Beauty is the property of being beautiful. The essence of beauty is the property of revealing the truth when it is attributed in accordance with the laws of beauty. These are two distinct properties. It is beautiful to reveal the truth about beauty. This is a law of beauty. Thus, beauty possesses the property of being beautiful. Beauty itself is beautiful. It is a truly beautiful essence. It is like a goddess revealing the beauty of all that is beautiful. Being a property is a property. Being an essence is an essence—which may be named "the essence" just as cowardice is names the property of being a coward. What is the essence of the essence? What is the essential property of the property of being a property? The essence of the essence is the property of revealing the truth when it is attributed in accordance with the fundamental law of the essence: x is an essence if and only if (there exists a system of laws such that an attribution of x is true if and only if it accords with those laws). {{BookCat}} 5wqenlzfuybw7igz782ujoy6vkosd6c 4653514 4653484 2026-07-10T19:01:14Z Thierry Dugnolle 2807160 /* Preliminary: a theory of essences */ 4653514 wikitext text/x-wiki ''- ... I'm willing to join you in examining virtue and inquiring into what it could be.'' ''- But how will you inquire into this, Socrates, when you don't at all know what it is? For what sort of thing, from among those you don't know, will you put forward as the thing you're inquiring into? And even if you really encounter it, how will you know that this is the thing you didn't know?'' ''- I understand the sort of thing you want to say, Meno. Do you see what an eristic argument you're introducing, that its not possible for someone to inquire either into that which he knows or into that which he doesn't know? For he wouldn't inquire into that which he knows (for he knows it, and there is no need for such a person to inquire); nor into that which he doesn't know (for he doesn't even know what he'll inquire into).'' (Plato, ''Meno'' 80de, translated by Gail Fine, in ''The possibility of inquiry, Meno's paradox from Socrates to Sextus'', 2014) Reason is about thinking and acting well, acquiring knowledge and using it wisely. Reason dictates that knowledge must be reflective. If we don't know that we know, then it's not rational knowledge. To be rational, we must therefore know how to observe knowledge. To search, one must know what one is searching for. One must know how to observe whether one has found what one is searching for; otherwise, it is vain to search for it. To search for knowledge, therefore, one must know how to observe knowledge. Epistemology is knowledge about knowledge. It provides the laws for observing all knowledge. We can think of irrational forms of knowledge: animal knowledge, wordless knowledge, and unreflective knowledge. Epistemology in the broad sense is rational knowledge about all knowledge, whether rational or not. Epistemology in the strict sense is rational knowledge about rational knowledge. This book is devoted to epistemology in the strict sense. Throughout this text, knowledge always means rational knowledge. Knowledge is a truth obtained through good work. To observe knowledge, therefore, one must observe truth and goodness. We can distinguish three forms of truth: logical truth, truth about Nature, and ethical truth. The first chapter of this book is devoted to logical truth, the next to truth about Nature and ethical truth. The third chapter is devoted to epistemology. Logical, or mathematical, truths are the truths about everything that is logically possible. To be logically possible is to be absolutely possible. Nothing can exist without being logically possible. Logical truths are the most general. Truths about Nature are the truths about matter, life, and mind. Ethical truths are the truths about good and evil. We understand good and evil through ideals. An ideal prescribes good and forbids evil. An ideal is like an instrument for observing good and evil. Epistemology (in the strict sense) is fundamentally ethical knowledge because it defines an ideal of rational knowledge. This ideal is like an instrument for observing reason. By providing the laws for observing knowledge, epistemology gives us the ability to observe all forms of knowledge. We acquire knowledge by observing that it is knowledge. Epistemology thus provides the ability to acquire all forms of knowledge. This short treatise is a user's guide to reason because it gives the most fundamental principles of the most fundamental sciences, from which all knowledge can be based, and because it shows how to observe and acquire all knowledge. == Preliminary: a theory of essences == An essence is a property, a quality, a concept, an attribute, and a predicate. All these terms are treated here as synonymous. A relation between two terms, x and y, is a property of the ordered pair (x, y). For instance, love is a property of (x, y) if and only if x loves y. (x, y) must be distinguished from (y, x) because "x loves y" differs from "y loves x". x is essential to y if and only if y cannot exist without x. x is an essential property of y if and only if y cannot exist without possessing property x. The essence of a being is the conjunction of its essential properties. The essence of a being is the conjunction of the essences that are essential to that being. A conjunction of properties is itself a property; therefore, the essence of a being is an essence. It is essential for an essence to be capable of attribution. Even an essence that is attributed to nothing—such as "being a nothingness," since nothing is a nothingness—can be falsely attributed to a being. A predicate is a statement containing free variables. For example, x and y are the free variables of the predicate "x loves y". A predicate is predicated, or attributed, when its free variables are replaced by constants. A predicate is an expression that names a concept and can be identified with the concept it names. When we observe that a being possesses a property, we simultaneously observe the presence of that being and the presence of its property. Essences exist in our world as soon as they hold true for at least one being within that world. Our world is part of their world. Their world is the world of all possibilities, and our world is included in it. x is an essence if and only if (there exists a system of laws such that an attribution of x is true if and only if it accords with those laws). The essence of an essence—the essential property of an essence—is to reveal the truth when it is attributed in accordance with its laws. If there were no law, there would be no essence, because to be an essence, there must be laws governing its attribution. If there were no essence, there would be nothing, because to exist, one must possess properties. Therefore, if there were no law, there would be nothing. In the beginning was the law. One must distinguish between beauty and the essence of beauty. Both are essences, yet they differ. Beauty is the property of being beautiful. The essence of beauty is the property of revealing the truth when it is attributed in accordance with the laws of beauty. These are two distinct properties. It is beautiful to reveal the truth about beauty. This is a law of beauty. Thus, beauty possesses the property of being beautiful. Beauty itself is beautiful. It is a truly beautiful essence. It is like a goddess revealing the beauty of all that is beautiful. Being a property is a property. Being an essence is an essence—which may be named "the essence" just as cowardice is names the property of being a coward. What is the essence of the essence? What is the essential property of the property of being a property? The essence of the essence is the property of revealing the truth when it is attributed in accordance with the fundamental law of the essence: x is an essence if and only if (there exists a system of laws such that an attribution of x is true if and only if it accords with those laws). To effectively pursue the truth, one must know the laws governing the attribution of concepts; otherwise, we speak haphazardly and never know whether what we say is true. Knowledge of these laws is therefore essential for acquiring knowledge. This short treatise sets forth the most fundamental laws regarding the attribution of the most fundamental concepts. These laws are the ever-flowing source of all knowledge and truth—insofar as we can discover them through diligent inquiry. If you drink from this water, you will always know how to quench your thirst for knowledge. {{BookCat}} 7ws5rh5t39mr8yy95xh6j8cyofkyhjm C Programming/C trigraph 0 479588 4653887 4596024 2026-07-11T04:03:21Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Alternative tokens]] to [[C programming/Alternative tokens]] 4653887 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Alternative tokens]] 93ejkueaf9n4d4baft0us7na0ll65nh Talk:C Programming/C trigraph 1 479589 4653944 4596026 2026-07-11T04:03:48Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Alternative tokens]] to [[Talk:C programming/Alternative tokens]] 4653944 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Alternative tokens]] b20lnf74fnvoa6ojtev8c14qsern182 C Programming/Simple input and output 0 479733 4653903 4598646 2026-07-11T04:03:29Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Simple input]] to [[C programming/Simple input]] 4653903 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Simple input]] 33ees8qhp6n6c6c5i7e1dabnscgesfp Talk:C Programming/Simple input and output 1 479734 4653953 4598648 2026-07-11T04:03:53Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Simple input]] to [[Talk:C programming/Simple input]] 4653953 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Simple input]] 0y3gskga70xomtn6h6wg3bobffb4u7n C Programming/Structure and style 0 479737 4653908 4598683 2026-07-11T04:03:31Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Code style]] to [[C programming/Code style]] 4653908 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Code style]] 22ltnze9e1rd0u0rlmirkovpwap8t95 Talk:C Programming/Structure and style 1 479738 4653957 4598685 2026-07-11T04:03:55Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/Code style]] to [[Talk:C programming/Code style]] 4653957 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Code style]] p40oyfzxi7wtgtmm5opd4elhscik7pg C Programming/Libraries 0 479742 4653896 4598754 2026-07-11T04:03:25Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/Headers and libraries]] to [[C programming/Headers and libraries]] 4653896 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Headers and libraries]] 2lax0el87uyox6qnb3jpr6x1rsbvrzq C Programming/Serialization 0 479775 4653901 4599199 2026-07-11T04:03:28Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C Programming/X macros and serialization]] to [[C programming/X macros and serialization]] 4653901 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/X macros and serialization]] sq33xsjunrhq4khuf5n4spw6yfmee7s Talk:C Programming/Serialization 1 479776 4653952 4599201 2026-07-11T04:03:52Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C Programming/X macros and serialization]] to [[Talk:C programming/X macros and serialization]] 4653952 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/X macros and serialization]] 1haxkmi3bw23dwp1fosfwfhiif7bfia User:Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d 2 482893 4653498 4653474 2026-07-10T16:49:32Z Cabayi 91903 Cabayi moved page [[User:Velorak]] to [[User:Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d]] without leaving a redirect: Automatically moved page while renaming the user "[[Special:CentralAuth/Velorak|Velorak]]" to "[[Special:CentralAuth/Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d|Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d]]" 4653474 wikitext text/x-wiki phoiac9h4m842xq45sp7s6u21eteeq1 The Geoguide 0 483756 4653515 4639267 2026-07-10T19:01:55Z Koavf 16549 removed [[Category:Rocks]] using [[Help:Gadget-HotCat|HotCat]] 4653515 wikitext text/x-wiki = ''The Geoguide'' = On ''The Geoguide,'' you will learn about the different types of geology, types of rocks, gemstones, and lots of other stuff-- a true geologists dream! = Physical Geology = Physical geology is a branch of geology that studies the physical things of Earth, such as rocks, minerals, ''the very soil your house is sitting on right now'', and internal and external events, such as tectonic plate movements, weathering, and volcanism. It also focuses on how Earth works, like how mountains are formed and erosion. * The study of igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, and their formation. * Understand the Earth’s interior structure, such as moving lithospheric plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. * Examine erosion, weathering, glaciation, and water action that change the very landscape as you read this. * Be able to identify the stone and minerals you walk on every single day. == Igneous == [[File:Granite_(pgpf_dike_facies,_Pikes_Peak_Batholith,_Mesoproterozoic,_1.08_GA;_Pikes_Peak,_Colorado,_USA)_2_(31566463242).jpg|alt=An image of granite.|thumb|A piece of the intrusive igneous rocks, granite.]] Igneous rocks are rocks formed when molten rock, magma or lava, cools and solidifies. Intrusive igneous rocks are slow-cooled inside Earth and coarse-grained. Ten examples of intrusive igneous rocks include: # Granite<ref>A common heavy, dense, and highly durable white-to-pink feldspar and dark flakes of biotite or amphibole coarse-grained rock </ref> # Gabbro<ref>A underground equivelent of basalt, dense, coarse-grained identifiable by its dark color, heavy feel, and crystalline texture</ref> # Diorite # Peridotite # Pegmatite # Syenite # Granodiorite # Diabase # Aplite # Anorthosite [[File:Olivine basalt (Cedar Canyon, Iron County, Utah, USA) 6 (48679986543).jpg|alt=An image of basalt.|thumb|A piece of the extrusive igneous rocks, basalt.]] Extrusive igneous rocks are rapidly-cooled outside the Earth and are generally smooth and shiny, but they can be porous or "bubbly". Ten examples of extrusive igneous rocks include: # Basalt # Andesite # Rhyolite # Obsidian # Pumice # Scoria # Tuff # Dacite # Pitchstone # Phonolite == Metamorphic == [[File:Slate Macro 1.JPG|alt=An image of slate.|thumb|A piece of the metamorphic rocks, slate.]] Metamorphic rocks are pre-existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) transformed by intense heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids deep within the Earth's crust. These rocks are characterized by recrystallization without melting, leading to changes in mineralogy and texture, often producing foliated (layered) or non-foliated structures. Ten examples of metamorphic rocks are: # Slate # Phyllite # Schist # Gneiss # Marble # Quartzite # Amphibolite # Hornfels # Migmatite # Eclogite [[File:Quartzose sandstone (Berea Sandstone, Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian; Rocky Fork, Gahanna, Ohio, USA) 2 (34247836980).jpg|alt=An image of sandstone.|thumb|A piece of the sedimentary rocks, sandstone.]] == Sedimentary == Sedimentary rocks are formed at the Earth's surface by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments, like mineral particles or organic matter. They often form in layers and are identified by their banded appearance, presence of fossils, and softer, porous nature. Ten examples of sedimentary rocks include: # Sandstone # Limestone # Shale # Conglomerate # Breccia # Siltstone # Dolostone # Chert # Coal # Gypsum = Understanding Earth's Insides = Now that you have learned the three different categories of rock identification, let's learn about the stuff right under you! == Lithospheric Plates == Lithospheric plates, or tectonic plates, are large, rigid, moving segments of Earth's outermost layer, comprising the crust and upper mantle. Ranging from 40–280 km thick, they essentially "float" on the pliable asthenosphere, fitting together like a giant puzzle. The main three events that happen with lithospheric plates include: * '''Convergent (Colliding):''' Plates collide, causing subduction or mountain building. * '''Divergent (Spreading):''' Plates move apart, creating new crust. * '''Transform (Sliding):''' Plates slide past one another, often causing earthquakes. == Volcanoes == Volcanoes begin as magma deep within the Earth, created by heat and pressure at tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots. This buoyant magma rises through cracks in the crust, collecting in chambers before erupting as lava, ash, and gases. Solidifying layers build mountains over time. Some types include: * '''Magma vs. Lava:''' Magma is molten rock below the surface; once it erupts, it is called lava. * '''Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes):''' Tall, steep cones built by layers of ash and thick lava. * '''Shield Volcanoes:''' Broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid, runny lava. * '''Cinder Cones:''' Small, simple, cone-shaped volcanoes built from blobs of congealed lava And the three states include: * '''Active:''' Currently erupting or showing signs of, or expected to, erupt soon. * '''Dormant:''' Not currently active, but has erupted recently and may erupt again. * '''Extinct:''' Not expected to erupt again. === How They Happen === Volcanic eruptions are driven by pressure from dissolved gases in the magma, which expand as the magma rises. Eruptions can be explosive (releasing ash and rock) or effusive (releasing lava flows). == Earthquakes == An earthquake is the intense shaking of Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the crust, typically when tectonic plates shift and slip along faults. These events occur due to built-up stress, creating seismic waves that shake the ground. === How Earthquakes Occur === * '''Tectonic Plate Movement:''' The Earth's crust is divided into massive plates that constantly move and slide past one another. * '''Fault Lines:''' When these plates get stuck but continue pushing, stress builds up until the rock fractures and breaks along faults. * '''Energy Release:''' This sudden release of stress produces seismic waves, which travel through the ground, causing shaking at the surface. === Key Terminology and Locations === * '''Hypocenter (Focus):''' The location ''below'' the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts. * '''Epicenter:''' The point on the Earth's surface ''directly above'' the hypocenter, often experiencing the most intense shaking. * '''Mainshock & Aftershocks:''' The main earthquake is the mainshock, while smaller, subsequent shakes in the same area are aftershocks. * '''Fault Types:''' Includes strike-slip (sliding past), normal (pulling apart), and thrust (pushing over) faults. While most earthquakes are tectonic, they can also be triggered by volcanic activity, landslides, or human activities like mining and hydraulic fracturing. = Events That Change The Land = Since you have now learned about Earth's internal components, let's focus on the things that change the very land! == Erosion == Erosion is the natural process of wearing away and transporting soil, rock, and sediment by agents like water, wind, and ice, often leading to landscape changes like mountains shrinking or riverbanks eroding. It decreases agricultural productivity, causes ecological damage, and is distinct from weathering because it includes transportation of material, whereas weathering only breaks it down. The three main types include: * '''Water Erosion:''' Includes splash, sheet, rill, and gully erosion. * '''Wind Erosion:''' Occurs through deflation, removing loose soil and sand. * '''Ice Erosion:''' Glacial movement that carves valleys and moves debris. '''Examples:''' Rain washing soil from hills, ocean waves reshaping coastlines, and rivers carving canyons. '''Effects:''' Land degradation, loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, destruction of habitats, and potential desertification. '''Erosion vs. Weathering:''' Weathering is the immediate breakdown of rocks (disintegration), while erosion is the removal and transport of that material to a new location. Erosion can act as a natural "cleaning" process but, when accelerated by human activity (e.g., deforestation, construction), it causes massive on-site and off-site damage. == Weathering == Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals at/or near the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Driven by water, ice, temperature changes, and organisms, it transforms bedrock into sediment, creating landscapes like the Grand Canyon. It differs from erosion, which transports these materials. The three main types of weathering are: * '''Physical/Mechanical Weathering:''' Breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, often through ice wedging, thermal expansion, or salt crystallization. * '''Chemical Weathering:''' Alters the molecular structure of minerals, causing them to dissolve or break down, often via water, oxygen, or acids. * '''Biological Weathering:''' Occurs when living organisms (roots, burrowing animals, bacteria) break down rocks. === Primary Causes and Processes === ==== Physical Processes: ==== * '''Frost Wedging (Cryofracturing):''' Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, splitting the rock. * '''Thermal Expansion:''' Constant heating and cooling in desert environments cause rocks to weaken and peel (exfoliation). * '''Pressure Release:''' As overlying rock is removed, underlying rock expands and cracks. ==== Chemical Processes: ==== * '''Oxidation:''' Oxygen reacts with iron-containing minerals, creating iron oxide (rust). * '''Carbonation/Dissolution:''' Rainwater mixed with CO2 creates weak carbonic acid that dissolves rocks like limestone. * '''Hydrolysis:''' Water reacts with minerals to break them down, often forming clay. ==== Biological Processes: ==== * Tree roots grow into crevices and pry rocks apart, while burrowing animals expose new surfaces to air and water. Weathering constantly changes the landscape, wearing away surfaces to form landforms such as arches, pedestals, and sea caves. It is essential for soil formation and prepares rock material to be moved by erosion. Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, accelerates chemical weathering through acid rain. == Deposition == Deposition is the process where transported sediments, such as rock fragments, soil, debris, or organic matter, settle and are laid down in new locations as transporting agents (water, wind, ice) lose energy. It builds up landforms like deltas, beaches, and sand dunes, acting as the final step in the erosion-transport-deposition cycle. * '''Process:''' As water or wind velocity decreases, the transporting medium can no longer carry sediment load, causing particles to sink and settle. Larger particles typically settle first. === Forms of Deposition: === * '''Fluvial (Rivers):''' Creates floodplains, deltas, and alluvial fans. * '''Aeolian (Wind):''' Forms sand dunes and loess deposits. * '''Glacial (Ice):''' Deposits moraines, drumlins, and erratic boulders. * '''Marine (Ocean):''' Creates beaches, spits, and deep-sea sediment layers. A function of deposition is that it forms new land, creates sedimentary rock layers (through compaction/cementation over time), and contributes to, or degrades, habitats. A method of managing deposition is by controlling water velocity and reducing erosion sources, such as by managing agricultural runoff or stabilizing shorelines to reduce coastal erosion. = Historical Geology = While physical geology studies the ''current'' things about earth, historical geology studies the things that happened to earth in the ''past'', like how Theia crashed into Earth and made the moon or how the first ever cyanobacteria developed oxygen out of methane and carbon dioxide during the Proterozoic Eon. In Historical Geology, you will learn about: * the Paleozoic Era (The Age of Ancient Life): 252-541M years ago. * the Mesozoic Era (The Age of Reptiles): 66-252M years ago. * the Cenozoic Era (The Age of Mammals): current era. * and the Precambrian Eons; explained later on and how creatures of their times affected our modern world. == The Precambrian Eons == There isn't a Precambrian Era, but it consists of 3 eons, the Precambrian Eons. It also includes a period. These include: * the Hadean Eon: 4.6-4.0B years ago (Earth was molten and bombarded by asteroids). * the Archean Eon: 4.0-2.5B years ago (Earth's crust cooled, forming oceans and single-celled life): Neoarchean: 2.8-2.5B years ago (stabilized Earth's crust into the first continents, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria rose, initiating photosynthesis). * the Proterozoic Eon: 2.5B-541M years ago (cyanobacteria filled Earth with oxygen, setting up complex life); Cryogenian: 720-635M (Earth dramatically cools, glaciers stretch to the equator, Earth is almost completely encased in ice) * the Ediacaran Period: 635-538M years ago (massive global ice ages melt, soft multicellular organisms evolve, tube and disc-shaped dominate the sea floor). == Periods Of The Paleozoic Era == * Cambrian: 541-485M years ago (major animals are aquatic, trilobites and brachiopods rule, jawless fish emerge, super-continent Gondwana forms near the South Pole, the rest is bare rock) * Ordovician: 485-443M years ago (coral reefs begin to form, moss-like plants and fungi emerge on land, ice age starts, freezing oceans with glaciers, causing a mass extinction). * Silurian: 443-419M years ago (Earth's climate stabilizes, glaciers melt, sea levels rise, vascular plants with stems evolve, early spiders, centipedes, and insects move onto land). * Devonian: 419-359M years ago (fish develop armored scales and sharp jaws, trees and deep-rooted forests appear, tetrapods evolve from lobe-finned fish and crawl onto mudflats, rapid cooling and oxygen drops in the ocean causes another mass extinction). * Carboniferous: 359-299M years ago (tropical swamp forests cover the continents and die, forming coal beds, oxygen levels rise to 35% letting massive insects to evolve, animals lay amniotic eggs, allowing them to breed away from water). * Permian: 299-252M years ago (every continent collided, forming Pangea, Pangea's size creates vast, dry deserts in the interior, synapsids and reptiles spread across the dry land, massive volcanic eruptions in modern-day Siberia wipe out 95% of marine life). == Periods Of The Mesozoic Era == * Triassic: 252-201M (Pangea starts to crack apart, Earth is hot and dry, dinosaurs and mammals first evolve). * Jurassic: 201-145M (oceans flood continental rifts, giant plant-eating dinosaurs dominate, first birds take flight). * Cretaceous: 145-66M (flowering plants appear, Tyrannosaurus rex rules the land, asteroid impact wipes out dinosaurs). == Periods Of The Cenozoic Era == * Paleogene: 66-23M (climate is warm and tropical, mammals grow much larger, birds diversify rapidly). * Neogene: 23-2.6M (global temperatures cool down, vast grasslands spread, early human ancestors evolve). * Quaternary: 2.6M-present (giant ice ages over continents, modern humans spread globally, large mammals go extinct). == How The Mountains Were Made == * Taconic Orogeny: 450M years ago (an island arc collides with eastern North America, creating volcanic roots of the early Appalachian mountains). * Alleghenian Orogeny: 325-260M (Africa collides with North America during the assembly of Pangea, lifting the Appalachian Mountains to the height of the modern Himalayas). == Theia, The Moon, And Earth == [[File:FullMoon2010.jpg|alt=An image of the Moon.|thumb|The Moon]] About 4.5 billion years ago, the early Earth was molten and hot. Theia: a rogue planet roughly the size of Mars, flying through space at 25,000 miles per hour (40,000 km/h). Then, Theia delivered an off-center, blow to Earth. If it had been a head-on collision, both planets would have been pulverized into space dust. === The Ultimate Splatter Zone === The impact was so violent that it completely vaporized Theia and blasted a massive chunk of Earth’s outer crust into orbit. For a brief period, Earth looked a bit like Saturn, surrounded by a glowing, ring of molten rock and debris. You might think it took billions of years for that debris to form our Moon, but gravity does not like to wait around. Scientists estimate that the ring clumped together to form the Moon incredibly fast—potentially in less than a century, or even just a few months. === The Proof Is In The Moon Rocks === When Apollo astronauts brought rocks back from the Moon, scientists checked their "chemical DNA" (oxygen isotopes). Usually, planets from different parts of the solar system have completely unique chemical signatures. But the Moon's rocks perfectly matched the Earth's crust. === How Theia Changed Earth Forever === Without this catastrophic cosmic car crash, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Theia left behind three permanent parting gifts: * Our Seasons: The impact hit Earth so hard it knocked our planet onto a permanent 23.5-degree tilt. Without Theia, we wouldn't have Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring. * A Supercharged Core: Theia’s heavy iron core sank straight into the molten Earth and merged with our own. This gave Earth a massive magnetic field, acting like a giant shield that blocks deadly solar radiation. * Longer Days: Right after the crash, an Earth day lasted only 5 hours because the planet was spinning at breakneck speed. The Moon's gravity has spent the last 4.5 billion years acting like a brake pad, slowing our spin down to a comfortable 24 hours. == Largest Creatures Of Each Period == There are thousands of millions of different creatures that spawn from each period, but these are the largest of each: * Cambrian: Anomalocaris (a small three-foot-long marine predator with giant armored eyes and grasping claws that ruled the shallow seas). * Ordovician: Cameroceras (a massive twenty-foot-long straight-shelled squid that dominated the deep ocean). *Silurian: Pterygotus (a huge seven-foot-long sea scorpion with large flattening swimming paddles and sharp crushing claws that prowled the shallow coastal waters). *Devonian: Dunkleosteus (a terrifying thirty-foot-long armored predator fish with bone-shearing jaw plates instead of teeth that terrorized the deep seas). *Carboniferous: Arthropleura (a monstrous eight-foot-long land-dwelling millipede with a heavily armored, multi-segmented body that patrolled the lush forests). *Permian: Moschops (a heavy-set fifteen-foot-long mammal-like reptile with a barrel shaped body and a thick barrel-vaulted skull that roamed the ground). *Triassic: Shastasaurus (a gigantic seventy-foot-long marine reptile with a highly elongated toothless snout and slender flippers that commanded the open oceans). *Jurassic: Maraapunisaurus (a colossal 115-foot-long long-necked sauropod dinosaur with whip-like tails and massive column-like legs that stomped across the land). * Cretaceous: Patagotitan (a titanic ninety-foot-long sauropod dinosaur with a small head, immensely long neck, and heavy pillar legs that reigned over the continents). * Paleogene: Basilosaurus (a predatory sixty-foot-long early whale with an extremely elongated eel-like body and small vestigial hind legs that haunted the ancient seas). * Neogene: Megalodon (a ferocious fifty-foot-long apex predator shark with robust, triangular serrated teeth the size of a human hand that controlled the global oceans). * Quaternary: Blue whale (an immense one hundred-foot-long marine mammal with a streamlined, mottled blue-gray body and expansive baleen plates that inhabits the modern oceans). == Fossils == Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient life trapped inside Earth's crust. They act as nature's time capsules, allowing historical geologists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems, track evolution over millions of years, and pinpoint the exact ages of rock layers. === Types Of Fossilization === Animals and plants turn into fossils in several distinct ways, depending on how they were buried and what minerals were nearby: * Petrification: Mineral-rich water seeps into organic cavities and turns the original bone or wood entirely into solid rock (like petrified wood). * Molds and Casts: An organism dissolves inside a rock layer, leaving an empty hollow space (a mold) that later fills with sediment to create a perfect replica copy (a cast). * Carbonization: Intense underground heat and pressure squeeze out all liquids and gases, leaving a flat, thin, black film of carbon on the rock (common for leaves and fish). * Preservation: The rarest form where an entire organism is kept perfectly intact by being frozen in ice, dried out in caves, or trapped inside sticky tree sap (amber). * Trace Fossils: Rather than saving the body itself, these capture the active behavior of ancient life, including fossilized footprints, feeding burrows, and coprolites (fossilized poop). === How Geologists Use Fossils === Fossils are not just museum display pieces; they are essential field tools used by geologists to solve mysteries about Earth's past: * Index Fossils: Certain creatures (like Trilobites) lived everywhere on Earth but only for a very short geological timeframe. Finding one instantly reveals the exact age of that rock layer. * Ancient Climates (Paleoclimate): Finding a fossilized tropical palm tree or crocodile in modern-day Antarctica proves the freezing continent was once a warm, swampy jungle. * Continental Drift Evidence: Discovering the exact same freshwater reptile fossils in both South America and Africa helped prove the continents were once physically joined together. == Mass Extinctions == Earth's history has been completely rewritten five different times by catastrophic events known as the "Big Five" mass extinctions. These events wiped out the dominant species of their time, clearing the way for entirely new creatures to evolve. * Ordovician-Silurian Extinction: Intense global cooling and freezing ice ages locked up Earth's water, causing sea levels to drop drastically and destroying the shallow ocean habitats. * Late Devonian Extinction: A massive drop in ocean oxygen levels suffocated marine life, hitting reef-building creatures and armored predator fish the hardest. * Permian-Triassic Extinction ("The Great Dying"): The most devastating extinction in Earth's history, caused by massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia. It released toxic gases, triggered severe global warming, and wiped out 96% of all marine species. * Triassic-Jurassic Extinction: Huge underwater volcanic rifts opened up as Pangea began to split apart, raising carbon dioxide levels and triggering rapid climate changes that eliminated early reptiles. * Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction: A massive six-mile-wide asteroid smashed into modern-day Mexico, triggering global wildfires, a nuclear winter, and blocking out the sun, which famously wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. == Supercontinents == A supercontinent is a single, massive landmass made up of most or all of Earth's continental crust smashed together. Driven by tectonic plate movements, Earth goes through a "supercontinent cycle" roughly every 300 to 500 million years, where landmasses continually crash together, break apart, and scatter. === The Timeline Of Earth's Major Supercontinents === * Vaalbara (3.6 to 2.8 Billion Years Ago): Earth's earliest known hypothetical supercontinent, forming when the planet was mostly ocean and small volcanic island chains collided. * Kenorland (2.7 to 2.1 Billion Years Ago): Formed near the equator during the Neoarchean era, its breakup eventually triggered a massive global ice age due to rapid climate shifts. * Columbia / Nuna (1.8 to 1.3 Billion Years Ago): A giant landmass stretching across the globe that marked the first time large, modern continental blocks fully assembled. * Rodinia (1.1 Billion to 750 Million Years Ago): A massive supercontinent surrounded entirely by the Mirovia ocean, centered around modern-day North America before fracturing apart into a freezing, ice-covered Earth. * Pannotia (633 to 550 Million Years Ago): A short-lived landmass clustered near the South Pole that formed just before the Cambrian explosion of complex marine life. * Gondwana (550 to 175 Million Years Ago): An ancient southern supercontinent composed of modern-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. It existed as its own massive entity for millions of years before merging into Pangea, and then splitting back apart later. * Pangea (335 to 175 Million Years Ago): The most famous C-shaped supercontinent that united almost all of Earth's dry land, including the northern landmass of Laurasia and the southern landmass of Gondwana, creating a single home for early dinosaurs. === How Supercontinents Altered Earth's Climate And Crust === The formation of a supercontinent completely breaks the planet's normal systems, creating extreme environments found nowhere on modern Earth: * Hyperarid Interior Deserts: Because the landmass is so incredibly wide, rain clouds from the surrounding oceans dry up completely before they can ever reach the center. This creates massive, lifeless "super-deserts" in the heart of the continent. * Mega-Monsoons: The vast temperature difference between the roasting-hot interior landmass and the cold surrounding super-ocean creates violent, seasonal shifting winds, resulting in catastrophic monsoon downpours along the coastlines. * The "Snowball Earth" Effect: When supercontinents split apart, they create brand new coastlines that rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can drop global temperatures so fiercely that ice sheets completely cover the planet from poles to equator. * Mantle Superplumes and Volcanic Traps: When a supercontinent sits over one spot on Earth's crust for millions of years, it acts like an insulating blanket. Heat builds up directly underneath it, eventually triggering colossal volcanic eruptions (large igneous provinces) that rip the continent apart and spew toxic gases into the atmosphere. === How Geologists Prove They Existed === * Matching Coastlines: The continental shelves of separate continents (like South America and Africa) fit together perfectly like giant jigsaw puzzle pieces. * Fossil Belts: Identical ancient plant and animal fossils are found in narrow strips across oceans where the continents used to touch. * Matching Mountain Ranges: Rock layers and mountain chains (like the Appalachians in North America and the Scottish Highlands) share the exact same age, type, and composition. * Paleomagnetism (Magnetic Alignment): When volcanic rocks cool, iron minerals inside them align perfectly with Earth's magnetic north pole like tiny compass needles. Geologists measure this locked-in magnetic angle to calculate exactly where a continent was located on the globe millions of years ago. * Orogenic (Mountain Building) Belts: When tectonic plates crash together to form a supercontinent, the immense pressure crumples the crust upwards, leaving behind massive global scars of matching metamorphic rock layers across modern state and country borders. * Global Mineral Belts: Highly specific copper, gold, and uranium deposits match up perfectly in straight lines when you stitch the continents back together, showing they were formed by the exact same underground magma chambers. === How Supercontinents Drive Evolution === The locking together and breaking apart of landmasses acts as the ultimate evolutionary accelerator for life on Earth: * The Isolation Engine: When a supercontinent fractures into smaller islands and separate continents, animal populations become completely isolated from one another. This forces rapid, localized evolution to fill unique environmental niches (similar to how Madagascar or Australia evolved highly unique wildlife). * The Competition Arena: Conversely, when continents crash together into a single landmass, previously isolated species are forced to compete for the same food sources and habitats. This triggers massive evolutionary "arms races" where only the fittest, most adaptable creatures survive. === Future Supercontinents (The Next 250 Million Years) === Because tectonic plates never stop moving at a rate of a few centimeters per year, scientists have calculated four potential layouts for Earth's next ultimate supercontinent: * Pangea Ultima: A configuration where the Atlantic Ocean slows down, reverses direction, and closes completely—bringing the Americas crashing back into Africa and Europe. * Novopangea: A layout where the Pacific Ocean closes entirely instead of the Atlantic, causing the Americas to slam straight into Asia and Australia. * Aurica: A scenario where both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans close down completely, forcing a brand new ocean basin to rip open right through the center of modern Asia. * Amasia: A unique collision where all continents drift northward, clustering together directly over the North Pole, leaving Antarctica isolated at the bottom of the world. <references /> [[Category:Geology]] dxj2g7o7tn7soj1bu1r04d8ihyw2wr7 4653516 4653515 2026-07-10T19:02:08Z Koavf 16549 removed [[Category:Geology]]; added [[Category:GeologyShelf:Geology]] using [[Help:Gadget-HotCat|HotCat]] 4653516 wikitext text/x-wiki = ''The Geoguide'' = On ''The Geoguide,'' you will learn about the different types of geology, types of rocks, gemstones, and lots of other stuff-- a true geologists dream! = Physical Geology = Physical geology is a branch of geology that studies the physical things of Earth, such as rocks, minerals, ''the very soil your house is sitting on right now'', and internal and external events, such as tectonic plate movements, weathering, and volcanism. It also focuses on how Earth works, like how mountains are formed and erosion. * The study of igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, and their formation. * Understand the Earth’s interior structure, such as moving lithospheric plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. * Examine erosion, weathering, glaciation, and water action that change the very landscape as you read this. * Be able to identify the stone and minerals you walk on every single day. == Igneous == [[File:Granite_(pgpf_dike_facies,_Pikes_Peak_Batholith,_Mesoproterozoic,_1.08_GA;_Pikes_Peak,_Colorado,_USA)_2_(31566463242).jpg|alt=An image of granite.|thumb|A piece of the intrusive igneous rocks, granite.]] Igneous rocks are rocks formed when molten rock, magma or lava, cools and solidifies. Intrusive igneous rocks are slow-cooled inside Earth and coarse-grained. Ten examples of intrusive igneous rocks include: # Granite<ref>A common heavy, dense, and highly durable white-to-pink feldspar and dark flakes of biotite or amphibole coarse-grained rock </ref> # Gabbro<ref>A underground equivelent of basalt, dense, coarse-grained identifiable by its dark color, heavy feel, and crystalline texture</ref> # Diorite # Peridotite # Pegmatite # Syenite # Granodiorite # Diabase # Aplite # Anorthosite [[File:Olivine basalt (Cedar Canyon, Iron County, Utah, USA) 6 (48679986543).jpg|alt=An image of basalt.|thumb|A piece of the extrusive igneous rocks, basalt.]] Extrusive igneous rocks are rapidly-cooled outside the Earth and are generally smooth and shiny, but they can be porous or "bubbly". Ten examples of extrusive igneous rocks include: # Basalt # Andesite # Rhyolite # Obsidian # Pumice # Scoria # Tuff # Dacite # Pitchstone # Phonolite == Metamorphic == [[File:Slate Macro 1.JPG|alt=An image of slate.|thumb|A piece of the metamorphic rocks, slate.]] Metamorphic rocks are pre-existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) transformed by intense heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids deep within the Earth's crust. These rocks are characterized by recrystallization without melting, leading to changes in mineralogy and texture, often producing foliated (layered) or non-foliated structures. Ten examples of metamorphic rocks are: # Slate # Phyllite # Schist # Gneiss # Marble # Quartzite # Amphibolite # Hornfels # Migmatite # Eclogite [[File:Quartzose sandstone (Berea Sandstone, Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian; Rocky Fork, Gahanna, Ohio, USA) 2 (34247836980).jpg|alt=An image of sandstone.|thumb|A piece of the sedimentary rocks, sandstone.]] == Sedimentary == Sedimentary rocks are formed at the Earth's surface by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments, like mineral particles or organic matter. They often form in layers and are identified by their banded appearance, presence of fossils, and softer, porous nature. Ten examples of sedimentary rocks include: # Sandstone # Limestone # Shale # Conglomerate # Breccia # Siltstone # Dolostone # Chert # Coal # Gypsum = Understanding Earth's Insides = Now that you have learned the three different categories of rock identification, let's learn about the stuff right under you! == Lithospheric Plates == Lithospheric plates, or tectonic plates, are large, rigid, moving segments of Earth's outermost layer, comprising the crust and upper mantle. Ranging from 40–280 km thick, they essentially "float" on the pliable asthenosphere, fitting together like a giant puzzle. The main three events that happen with lithospheric plates include: * '''Convergent (Colliding):''' Plates collide, causing subduction or mountain building. * '''Divergent (Spreading):''' Plates move apart, creating new crust. * '''Transform (Sliding):''' Plates slide past one another, often causing earthquakes. == Volcanoes == Volcanoes begin as magma deep within the Earth, created by heat and pressure at tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots. This buoyant magma rises through cracks in the crust, collecting in chambers before erupting as lava, ash, and gases. Solidifying layers build mountains over time. Some types include: * '''Magma vs. Lava:''' Magma is molten rock below the surface; once it erupts, it is called lava. * '''Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes):''' Tall, steep cones built by layers of ash and thick lava. * '''Shield Volcanoes:''' Broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid, runny lava. * '''Cinder Cones:''' Small, simple, cone-shaped volcanoes built from blobs of congealed lava And the three states include: * '''Active:''' Currently erupting or showing signs of, or expected to, erupt soon. * '''Dormant:''' Not currently active, but has erupted recently and may erupt again. * '''Extinct:''' Not expected to erupt again. === How They Happen === Volcanic eruptions are driven by pressure from dissolved gases in the magma, which expand as the magma rises. Eruptions can be explosive (releasing ash and rock) or effusive (releasing lava flows). == Earthquakes == An earthquake is the intense shaking of Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the crust, typically when tectonic plates shift and slip along faults. These events occur due to built-up stress, creating seismic waves that shake the ground. === How Earthquakes Occur === * '''Tectonic Plate Movement:''' The Earth's crust is divided into massive plates that constantly move and slide past one another. * '''Fault Lines:''' When these plates get stuck but continue pushing, stress builds up until the rock fractures and breaks along faults. * '''Energy Release:''' This sudden release of stress produces seismic waves, which travel through the ground, causing shaking at the surface. === Key Terminology and Locations === * '''Hypocenter (Focus):''' The location ''below'' the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts. * '''Epicenter:''' The point on the Earth's surface ''directly above'' the hypocenter, often experiencing the most intense shaking. * '''Mainshock & Aftershocks:''' The main earthquake is the mainshock, while smaller, subsequent shakes in the same area are aftershocks. * '''Fault Types:''' Includes strike-slip (sliding past), normal (pulling apart), and thrust (pushing over) faults. While most earthquakes are tectonic, they can also be triggered by volcanic activity, landslides, or human activities like mining and hydraulic fracturing. = Events That Change The Land = Since you have now learned about Earth's internal components, let's focus on the things that change the very land! == Erosion == Erosion is the natural process of wearing away and transporting soil, rock, and sediment by agents like water, wind, and ice, often leading to landscape changes like mountains shrinking or riverbanks eroding. It decreases agricultural productivity, causes ecological damage, and is distinct from weathering because it includes transportation of material, whereas weathering only breaks it down. The three main types include: * '''Water Erosion:''' Includes splash, sheet, rill, and gully erosion. * '''Wind Erosion:''' Occurs through deflation, removing loose soil and sand. * '''Ice Erosion:''' Glacial movement that carves valleys and moves debris. '''Examples:''' Rain washing soil from hills, ocean waves reshaping coastlines, and rivers carving canyons. '''Effects:''' Land degradation, loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, destruction of habitats, and potential desertification. '''Erosion vs. Weathering:''' Weathering is the immediate breakdown of rocks (disintegration), while erosion is the removal and transport of that material to a new location. Erosion can act as a natural "cleaning" process but, when accelerated by human activity (e.g., deforestation, construction), it causes massive on-site and off-site damage. == Weathering == Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals at/or near the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Driven by water, ice, temperature changes, and organisms, it transforms bedrock into sediment, creating landscapes like the Grand Canyon. It differs from erosion, which transports these materials. The three main types of weathering are: * '''Physical/Mechanical Weathering:''' Breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, often through ice wedging, thermal expansion, or salt crystallization. * '''Chemical Weathering:''' Alters the molecular structure of minerals, causing them to dissolve or break down, often via water, oxygen, or acids. * '''Biological Weathering:''' Occurs when living organisms (roots, burrowing animals, bacteria) break down rocks. === Primary Causes and Processes === ==== Physical Processes: ==== * '''Frost Wedging (Cryofracturing):''' Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, splitting the rock. * '''Thermal Expansion:''' Constant heating and cooling in desert environments cause rocks to weaken and peel (exfoliation). * '''Pressure Release:''' As overlying rock is removed, underlying rock expands and cracks. ==== Chemical Processes: ==== * '''Oxidation:''' Oxygen reacts with iron-containing minerals, creating iron oxide (rust). * '''Carbonation/Dissolution:''' Rainwater mixed with CO2 creates weak carbonic acid that dissolves rocks like limestone. * '''Hydrolysis:''' Water reacts with minerals to break them down, often forming clay. ==== Biological Processes: ==== * Tree roots grow into crevices and pry rocks apart, while burrowing animals expose new surfaces to air and water. Weathering constantly changes the landscape, wearing away surfaces to form landforms such as arches, pedestals, and sea caves. It is essential for soil formation and prepares rock material to be moved by erosion. Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, accelerates chemical weathering through acid rain. == Deposition == Deposition is the process where transported sediments, such as rock fragments, soil, debris, or organic matter, settle and are laid down in new locations as transporting agents (water, wind, ice) lose energy. It builds up landforms like deltas, beaches, and sand dunes, acting as the final step in the erosion-transport-deposition cycle. * '''Process:''' As water or wind velocity decreases, the transporting medium can no longer carry sediment load, causing particles to sink and settle. Larger particles typically settle first. === Forms of Deposition: === * '''Fluvial (Rivers):''' Creates floodplains, deltas, and alluvial fans. * '''Aeolian (Wind):''' Forms sand dunes and loess deposits. * '''Glacial (Ice):''' Deposits moraines, drumlins, and erratic boulders. * '''Marine (Ocean):''' Creates beaches, spits, and deep-sea sediment layers. A function of deposition is that it forms new land, creates sedimentary rock layers (through compaction/cementation over time), and contributes to, or degrades, habitats. A method of managing deposition is by controlling water velocity and reducing erosion sources, such as by managing agricultural runoff or stabilizing shorelines to reduce coastal erosion. = Historical Geology = While physical geology studies the ''current'' things about earth, historical geology studies the things that happened to earth in the ''past'', like how Theia crashed into Earth and made the moon or how the first ever cyanobacteria developed oxygen out of methane and carbon dioxide during the Proterozoic Eon. In Historical Geology, you will learn about: * the Paleozoic Era (The Age of Ancient Life): 252-541M years ago. * the Mesozoic Era (The Age of Reptiles): 66-252M years ago. * the Cenozoic Era (The Age of Mammals): current era. * and the Precambrian Eons; explained later on and how creatures of their times affected our modern world. == The Precambrian Eons == There isn't a Precambrian Era, but it consists of 3 eons, the Precambrian Eons. It also includes a period. These include: * the Hadean Eon: 4.6-4.0B years ago (Earth was molten and bombarded by asteroids). * the Archean Eon: 4.0-2.5B years ago (Earth's crust cooled, forming oceans and single-celled life): Neoarchean: 2.8-2.5B years ago (stabilized Earth's crust into the first continents, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria rose, initiating photosynthesis). * the Proterozoic Eon: 2.5B-541M years ago (cyanobacteria filled Earth with oxygen, setting up complex life); Cryogenian: 720-635M (Earth dramatically cools, glaciers stretch to the equator, Earth is almost completely encased in ice) * the Ediacaran Period: 635-538M years ago (massive global ice ages melt, soft multicellular organisms evolve, tube and disc-shaped dominate the sea floor). == Periods Of The Paleozoic Era == * Cambrian: 541-485M years ago (major animals are aquatic, trilobites and brachiopods rule, jawless fish emerge, super-continent Gondwana forms near the South Pole, the rest is bare rock) * Ordovician: 485-443M years ago (coral reefs begin to form, moss-like plants and fungi emerge on land, ice age starts, freezing oceans with glaciers, causing a mass extinction). * Silurian: 443-419M years ago (Earth's climate stabilizes, glaciers melt, sea levels rise, vascular plants with stems evolve, early spiders, centipedes, and insects move onto land). * Devonian: 419-359M years ago (fish develop armored scales and sharp jaws, trees and deep-rooted forests appear, tetrapods evolve from lobe-finned fish and crawl onto mudflats, rapid cooling and oxygen drops in the ocean causes another mass extinction). * Carboniferous: 359-299M years ago (tropical swamp forests cover the continents and die, forming coal beds, oxygen levels rise to 35% letting massive insects to evolve, animals lay amniotic eggs, allowing them to breed away from water). * Permian: 299-252M years ago (every continent collided, forming Pangea, Pangea's size creates vast, dry deserts in the interior, synapsids and reptiles spread across the dry land, massive volcanic eruptions in modern-day Siberia wipe out 95% of marine life). == Periods Of The Mesozoic Era == * Triassic: 252-201M (Pangea starts to crack apart, Earth is hot and dry, dinosaurs and mammals first evolve). * Jurassic: 201-145M (oceans flood continental rifts, giant plant-eating dinosaurs dominate, first birds take flight). * Cretaceous: 145-66M (flowering plants appear, Tyrannosaurus rex rules the land, asteroid impact wipes out dinosaurs). == Periods Of The Cenozoic Era == * Paleogene: 66-23M (climate is warm and tropical, mammals grow much larger, birds diversify rapidly). * Neogene: 23-2.6M (global temperatures cool down, vast grasslands spread, early human ancestors evolve). * Quaternary: 2.6M-present (giant ice ages over continents, modern humans spread globally, large mammals go extinct). == How The Mountains Were Made == * Taconic Orogeny: 450M years ago (an island arc collides with eastern North America, creating volcanic roots of the early Appalachian mountains). * Alleghenian Orogeny: 325-260M (Africa collides with North America during the assembly of Pangea, lifting the Appalachian Mountains to the height of the modern Himalayas). == Theia, The Moon, And Earth == [[File:FullMoon2010.jpg|alt=An image of the Moon.|thumb|The Moon]] About 4.5 billion years ago, the early Earth was molten and hot. Theia: a rogue planet roughly the size of Mars, flying through space at 25,000 miles per hour (40,000 km/h). Then, Theia delivered an off-center, blow to Earth. If it had been a head-on collision, both planets would have been pulverized into space dust. === The Ultimate Splatter Zone === The impact was so violent that it completely vaporized Theia and blasted a massive chunk of Earth’s outer crust into orbit. For a brief period, Earth looked a bit like Saturn, surrounded by a glowing, ring of molten rock and debris. You might think it took billions of years for that debris to form our Moon, but gravity does not like to wait around. Scientists estimate that the ring clumped together to form the Moon incredibly fast—potentially in less than a century, or even just a few months. === The Proof Is In The Moon Rocks === When Apollo astronauts brought rocks back from the Moon, scientists checked their "chemical DNA" (oxygen isotopes). Usually, planets from different parts of the solar system have completely unique chemical signatures. But the Moon's rocks perfectly matched the Earth's crust. === How Theia Changed Earth Forever === Without this catastrophic cosmic car crash, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Theia left behind three permanent parting gifts: * Our Seasons: The impact hit Earth so hard it knocked our planet onto a permanent 23.5-degree tilt. Without Theia, we wouldn't have Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring. * A Supercharged Core: Theia’s heavy iron core sank straight into the molten Earth and merged with our own. This gave Earth a massive magnetic field, acting like a giant shield that blocks deadly solar radiation. * Longer Days: Right after the crash, an Earth day lasted only 5 hours because the planet was spinning at breakneck speed. The Moon's gravity has spent the last 4.5 billion years acting like a brake pad, slowing our spin down to a comfortable 24 hours. == Largest Creatures Of Each Period == There are thousands of millions of different creatures that spawn from each period, but these are the largest of each: * Cambrian: Anomalocaris (a small three-foot-long marine predator with giant armored eyes and grasping claws that ruled the shallow seas). * Ordovician: Cameroceras (a massive twenty-foot-long straight-shelled squid that dominated the deep ocean). *Silurian: Pterygotus (a huge seven-foot-long sea scorpion with large flattening swimming paddles and sharp crushing claws that prowled the shallow coastal waters). *Devonian: Dunkleosteus (a terrifying thirty-foot-long armored predator fish with bone-shearing jaw plates instead of teeth that terrorized the deep seas). *Carboniferous: Arthropleura (a monstrous eight-foot-long land-dwelling millipede with a heavily armored, multi-segmented body that patrolled the lush forests). *Permian: Moschops (a heavy-set fifteen-foot-long mammal-like reptile with a barrel shaped body and a thick barrel-vaulted skull that roamed the ground). *Triassic: Shastasaurus (a gigantic seventy-foot-long marine reptile with a highly elongated toothless snout and slender flippers that commanded the open oceans). *Jurassic: Maraapunisaurus (a colossal 115-foot-long long-necked sauropod dinosaur with whip-like tails and massive column-like legs that stomped across the land). * Cretaceous: Patagotitan (a titanic ninety-foot-long sauropod dinosaur with a small head, immensely long neck, and heavy pillar legs that reigned over the continents). * Paleogene: Basilosaurus (a predatory sixty-foot-long early whale with an extremely elongated eel-like body and small vestigial hind legs that haunted the ancient seas). * Neogene: Megalodon (a ferocious fifty-foot-long apex predator shark with robust, triangular serrated teeth the size of a human hand that controlled the global oceans). * Quaternary: Blue whale (an immense one hundred-foot-long marine mammal with a streamlined, mottled blue-gray body and expansive baleen plates that inhabits the modern oceans). == Fossils == Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient life trapped inside Earth's crust. They act as nature's time capsules, allowing historical geologists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems, track evolution over millions of years, and pinpoint the exact ages of rock layers. === Types Of Fossilization === Animals and plants turn into fossils in several distinct ways, depending on how they were buried and what minerals were nearby: * Petrification: Mineral-rich water seeps into organic cavities and turns the original bone or wood entirely into solid rock (like petrified wood). * Molds and Casts: An organism dissolves inside a rock layer, leaving an empty hollow space (a mold) that later fills with sediment to create a perfect replica copy (a cast). * Carbonization: Intense underground heat and pressure squeeze out all liquids and gases, leaving a flat, thin, black film of carbon on the rock (common for leaves and fish). * Preservation: The rarest form where an entire organism is kept perfectly intact by being frozen in ice, dried out in caves, or trapped inside sticky tree sap (amber). * Trace Fossils: Rather than saving the body itself, these capture the active behavior of ancient life, including fossilized footprints, feeding burrows, and coprolites (fossilized poop). === How Geologists Use Fossils === Fossils are not just museum display pieces; they are essential field tools used by geologists to solve mysteries about Earth's past: * Index Fossils: Certain creatures (like Trilobites) lived everywhere on Earth but only for a very short geological timeframe. Finding one instantly reveals the exact age of that rock layer. * Ancient Climates (Paleoclimate): Finding a fossilized tropical palm tree or crocodile in modern-day Antarctica proves the freezing continent was once a warm, swampy jungle. * Continental Drift Evidence: Discovering the exact same freshwater reptile fossils in both South America and Africa helped prove the continents were once physically joined together. == Mass Extinctions == Earth's history has been completely rewritten five different times by catastrophic events known as the "Big Five" mass extinctions. These events wiped out the dominant species of their time, clearing the way for entirely new creatures to evolve. * Ordovician-Silurian Extinction: Intense global cooling and freezing ice ages locked up Earth's water, causing sea levels to drop drastically and destroying the shallow ocean habitats. * Late Devonian Extinction: A massive drop in ocean oxygen levels suffocated marine life, hitting reef-building creatures and armored predator fish the hardest. * Permian-Triassic Extinction ("The Great Dying"): The most devastating extinction in Earth's history, caused by massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia. It released toxic gases, triggered severe global warming, and wiped out 96% of all marine species. * Triassic-Jurassic Extinction: Huge underwater volcanic rifts opened up as Pangea began to split apart, raising carbon dioxide levels and triggering rapid climate changes that eliminated early reptiles. * Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction: A massive six-mile-wide asteroid smashed into modern-day Mexico, triggering global wildfires, a nuclear winter, and blocking out the sun, which famously wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. == Supercontinents == A supercontinent is a single, massive landmass made up of most or all of Earth's continental crust smashed together. Driven by tectonic plate movements, Earth goes through a "supercontinent cycle" roughly every 300 to 500 million years, where landmasses continually crash together, break apart, and scatter. === The Timeline Of Earth's Major Supercontinents === * Vaalbara (3.6 to 2.8 Billion Years Ago): Earth's earliest known hypothetical supercontinent, forming when the planet was mostly ocean and small volcanic island chains collided. * Kenorland (2.7 to 2.1 Billion Years Ago): Formed near the equator during the Neoarchean era, its breakup eventually triggered a massive global ice age due to rapid climate shifts. * Columbia / Nuna (1.8 to 1.3 Billion Years Ago): A giant landmass stretching across the globe that marked the first time large, modern continental blocks fully assembled. * Rodinia (1.1 Billion to 750 Million Years Ago): A massive supercontinent surrounded entirely by the Mirovia ocean, centered around modern-day North America before fracturing apart into a freezing, ice-covered Earth. * Pannotia (633 to 550 Million Years Ago): A short-lived landmass clustered near the South Pole that formed just before the Cambrian explosion of complex marine life. * Gondwana (550 to 175 Million Years Ago): An ancient southern supercontinent composed of modern-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. It existed as its own massive entity for millions of years before merging into Pangea, and then splitting back apart later. * Pangea (335 to 175 Million Years Ago): The most famous C-shaped supercontinent that united almost all of Earth's dry land, including the northern landmass of Laurasia and the southern landmass of Gondwana, creating a single home for early dinosaurs. === How Supercontinents Altered Earth's Climate And Crust === The formation of a supercontinent completely breaks the planet's normal systems, creating extreme environments found nowhere on modern Earth: * Hyperarid Interior Deserts: Because the landmass is so incredibly wide, rain clouds from the surrounding oceans dry up completely before they can ever reach the center. This creates massive, lifeless "super-deserts" in the heart of the continent. * Mega-Monsoons: The vast temperature difference between the roasting-hot interior landmass and the cold surrounding super-ocean creates violent, seasonal shifting winds, resulting in catastrophic monsoon downpours along the coastlines. * The "Snowball Earth" Effect: When supercontinents split apart, they create brand new coastlines that rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can drop global temperatures so fiercely that ice sheets completely cover the planet from poles to equator. * Mantle Superplumes and Volcanic Traps: When a supercontinent sits over one spot on Earth's crust for millions of years, it acts like an insulating blanket. Heat builds up directly underneath it, eventually triggering colossal volcanic eruptions (large igneous provinces) that rip the continent apart and spew toxic gases into the atmosphere. === How Geologists Prove They Existed === * Matching Coastlines: The continental shelves of separate continents (like South America and Africa) fit together perfectly like giant jigsaw puzzle pieces. * Fossil Belts: Identical ancient plant and animal fossils are found in narrow strips across oceans where the continents used to touch. * Matching Mountain Ranges: Rock layers and mountain chains (like the Appalachians in North America and the Scottish Highlands) share the exact same age, type, and composition. * Paleomagnetism (Magnetic Alignment): When volcanic rocks cool, iron minerals inside them align perfectly with Earth's magnetic north pole like tiny compass needles. Geologists measure this locked-in magnetic angle to calculate exactly where a continent was located on the globe millions of years ago. * Orogenic (Mountain Building) Belts: When tectonic plates crash together to form a supercontinent, the immense pressure crumples the crust upwards, leaving behind massive global scars of matching metamorphic rock layers across modern state and country borders. * Global Mineral Belts: Highly specific copper, gold, and uranium deposits match up perfectly in straight lines when you stitch the continents back together, showing they were formed by the exact same underground magma chambers. === How Supercontinents Drive Evolution === The locking together and breaking apart of landmasses acts as the ultimate evolutionary accelerator for life on Earth: * The Isolation Engine: When a supercontinent fractures into smaller islands and separate continents, animal populations become completely isolated from one another. This forces rapid, localized evolution to fill unique environmental niches (similar to how Madagascar or Australia evolved highly unique wildlife). * The Competition Arena: Conversely, when continents crash together into a single landmass, previously isolated species are forced to compete for the same food sources and habitats. This triggers massive evolutionary "arms races" where only the fittest, most adaptable creatures survive. === Future Supercontinents (The Next 250 Million Years) === Because tectonic plates never stop moving at a rate of a few centimeters per year, scientists have calculated four potential layouts for Earth's next ultimate supercontinent: * Pangea Ultima: A configuration where the Atlantic Ocean slows down, reverses direction, and closes completely—bringing the Americas crashing back into Africa and Europe. * Novopangea: A layout where the Pacific Ocean closes entirely instead of the Atlantic, causing the Americas to slam straight into Asia and Australia. * Aurica: A scenario where both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans close down completely, forcing a brand new ocean basin to rip open right through the center of modern Asia. * Amasia: A unique collision where all continents drift northward, clustering together directly over the North Pole, leaving Antarctica isolated at the bottom of the world. <references /> [[Category:GeologyShelf:Geology]] 9fy902lsqvrz0yjb8vsn4lpmhabgnzy 4653517 4653516 2026-07-10T19:02:14Z Koavf 16549 removed [[Category:GeologyShelf:Geology]]; added [[Category:Shelf:Geology]] using [[Help:Gadget-HotCat|HotCat]] 4653517 wikitext text/x-wiki = ''The Geoguide'' = On ''The Geoguide,'' you will learn about the different types of geology, types of rocks, gemstones, and lots of other stuff-- a true geologists dream! = Physical Geology = Physical geology is a branch of geology that studies the physical things of Earth, such as rocks, minerals, ''the very soil your house is sitting on right now'', and internal and external events, such as tectonic plate movements, weathering, and volcanism. It also focuses on how Earth works, like how mountains are formed and erosion. * The study of igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, and their formation. * Understand the Earth’s interior structure, such as moving lithospheric plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. * Examine erosion, weathering, glaciation, and water action that change the very landscape as you read this. * Be able to identify the stone and minerals you walk on every single day. == Igneous == [[File:Granite_(pgpf_dike_facies,_Pikes_Peak_Batholith,_Mesoproterozoic,_1.08_GA;_Pikes_Peak,_Colorado,_USA)_2_(31566463242).jpg|alt=An image of granite.|thumb|A piece of the intrusive igneous rocks, granite.]] Igneous rocks are rocks formed when molten rock, magma or lava, cools and solidifies. Intrusive igneous rocks are slow-cooled inside Earth and coarse-grained. Ten examples of intrusive igneous rocks include: # Granite<ref>A common heavy, dense, and highly durable white-to-pink feldspar and dark flakes of biotite or amphibole coarse-grained rock </ref> # Gabbro<ref>A underground equivelent of basalt, dense, coarse-grained identifiable by its dark color, heavy feel, and crystalline texture</ref> # Diorite # Peridotite # Pegmatite # Syenite # Granodiorite # Diabase # Aplite # Anorthosite [[File:Olivine basalt (Cedar Canyon, Iron County, Utah, USA) 6 (48679986543).jpg|alt=An image of basalt.|thumb|A piece of the extrusive igneous rocks, basalt.]] Extrusive igneous rocks are rapidly-cooled outside the Earth and are generally smooth and shiny, but they can be porous or "bubbly". Ten examples of extrusive igneous rocks include: # Basalt # Andesite # Rhyolite # Obsidian # Pumice # Scoria # Tuff # Dacite # Pitchstone # Phonolite == Metamorphic == [[File:Slate Macro 1.JPG|alt=An image of slate.|thumb|A piece of the metamorphic rocks, slate.]] Metamorphic rocks are pre-existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) transformed by intense heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids deep within the Earth's crust. These rocks are characterized by recrystallization without melting, leading to changes in mineralogy and texture, often producing foliated (layered) or non-foliated structures. Ten examples of metamorphic rocks are: # Slate # Phyllite # Schist # Gneiss # Marble # Quartzite # Amphibolite # Hornfels # Migmatite # Eclogite [[File:Quartzose sandstone (Berea Sandstone, Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian; Rocky Fork, Gahanna, Ohio, USA) 2 (34247836980).jpg|alt=An image of sandstone.|thumb|A piece of the sedimentary rocks, sandstone.]] == Sedimentary == Sedimentary rocks are formed at the Earth's surface by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments, like mineral particles or organic matter. They often form in layers and are identified by their banded appearance, presence of fossils, and softer, porous nature. Ten examples of sedimentary rocks include: # Sandstone # Limestone # Shale # Conglomerate # Breccia # Siltstone # Dolostone # Chert # Coal # Gypsum = Understanding Earth's Insides = Now that you have learned the three different categories of rock identification, let's learn about the stuff right under you! == Lithospheric Plates == Lithospheric plates, or tectonic plates, are large, rigid, moving segments of Earth's outermost layer, comprising the crust and upper mantle. Ranging from 40–280 km thick, they essentially "float" on the pliable asthenosphere, fitting together like a giant puzzle. The main three events that happen with lithospheric plates include: * '''Convergent (Colliding):''' Plates collide, causing subduction or mountain building. * '''Divergent (Spreading):''' Plates move apart, creating new crust. * '''Transform (Sliding):''' Plates slide past one another, often causing earthquakes. == Volcanoes == Volcanoes begin as magma deep within the Earth, created by heat and pressure at tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots. This buoyant magma rises through cracks in the crust, collecting in chambers before erupting as lava, ash, and gases. Solidifying layers build mountains over time. Some types include: * '''Magma vs. Lava:''' Magma is molten rock below the surface; once it erupts, it is called lava. * '''Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes):''' Tall, steep cones built by layers of ash and thick lava. * '''Shield Volcanoes:''' Broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid, runny lava. * '''Cinder Cones:''' Small, simple, cone-shaped volcanoes built from blobs of congealed lava And the three states include: * '''Active:''' Currently erupting or showing signs of, or expected to, erupt soon. * '''Dormant:''' Not currently active, but has erupted recently and may erupt again. * '''Extinct:''' Not expected to erupt again. === How They Happen === Volcanic eruptions are driven by pressure from dissolved gases in the magma, which expand as the magma rises. Eruptions can be explosive (releasing ash and rock) or effusive (releasing lava flows). == Earthquakes == An earthquake is the intense shaking of Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the crust, typically when tectonic plates shift and slip along faults. These events occur due to built-up stress, creating seismic waves that shake the ground. === How Earthquakes Occur === * '''Tectonic Plate Movement:''' The Earth's crust is divided into massive plates that constantly move and slide past one another. * '''Fault Lines:''' When these plates get stuck but continue pushing, stress builds up until the rock fractures and breaks along faults. * '''Energy Release:''' This sudden release of stress produces seismic waves, which travel through the ground, causing shaking at the surface. === Key Terminology and Locations === * '''Hypocenter (Focus):''' The location ''below'' the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts. * '''Epicenter:''' The point on the Earth's surface ''directly above'' the hypocenter, often experiencing the most intense shaking. * '''Mainshock & Aftershocks:''' The main earthquake is the mainshock, while smaller, subsequent shakes in the same area are aftershocks. * '''Fault Types:''' Includes strike-slip (sliding past), normal (pulling apart), and thrust (pushing over) faults. While most earthquakes are tectonic, they can also be triggered by volcanic activity, landslides, or human activities like mining and hydraulic fracturing. = Events That Change The Land = Since you have now learned about Earth's internal components, let's focus on the things that change the very land! == Erosion == Erosion is the natural process of wearing away and transporting soil, rock, and sediment by agents like water, wind, and ice, often leading to landscape changes like mountains shrinking or riverbanks eroding. It decreases agricultural productivity, causes ecological damage, and is distinct from weathering because it includes transportation of material, whereas weathering only breaks it down. The three main types include: * '''Water Erosion:''' Includes splash, sheet, rill, and gully erosion. * '''Wind Erosion:''' Occurs through deflation, removing loose soil and sand. * '''Ice Erosion:''' Glacial movement that carves valleys and moves debris. '''Examples:''' Rain washing soil from hills, ocean waves reshaping coastlines, and rivers carving canyons. '''Effects:''' Land degradation, loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, destruction of habitats, and potential desertification. '''Erosion vs. Weathering:''' Weathering is the immediate breakdown of rocks (disintegration), while erosion is the removal and transport of that material to a new location. Erosion can act as a natural "cleaning" process but, when accelerated by human activity (e.g., deforestation, construction), it causes massive on-site and off-site damage. == Weathering == Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals at/or near the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Driven by water, ice, temperature changes, and organisms, it transforms bedrock into sediment, creating landscapes like the Grand Canyon. It differs from erosion, which transports these materials. The three main types of weathering are: * '''Physical/Mechanical Weathering:''' Breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, often through ice wedging, thermal expansion, or salt crystallization. * '''Chemical Weathering:''' Alters the molecular structure of minerals, causing them to dissolve or break down, often via water, oxygen, or acids. * '''Biological Weathering:''' Occurs when living organisms (roots, burrowing animals, bacteria) break down rocks. === Primary Causes and Processes === ==== Physical Processes: ==== * '''Frost Wedging (Cryofracturing):''' Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, splitting the rock. * '''Thermal Expansion:''' Constant heating and cooling in desert environments cause rocks to weaken and peel (exfoliation). * '''Pressure Release:''' As overlying rock is removed, underlying rock expands and cracks. ==== Chemical Processes: ==== * '''Oxidation:''' Oxygen reacts with iron-containing minerals, creating iron oxide (rust). * '''Carbonation/Dissolution:''' Rainwater mixed with CO2 creates weak carbonic acid that dissolves rocks like limestone. * '''Hydrolysis:''' Water reacts with minerals to break them down, often forming clay. ==== Biological Processes: ==== * Tree roots grow into crevices and pry rocks apart, while burrowing animals expose new surfaces to air and water. Weathering constantly changes the landscape, wearing away surfaces to form landforms such as arches, pedestals, and sea caves. It is essential for soil formation and prepares rock material to be moved by erosion. Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, accelerates chemical weathering through acid rain. == Deposition == Deposition is the process where transported sediments, such as rock fragments, soil, debris, or organic matter, settle and are laid down in new locations as transporting agents (water, wind, ice) lose energy. It builds up landforms like deltas, beaches, and sand dunes, acting as the final step in the erosion-transport-deposition cycle. * '''Process:''' As water or wind velocity decreases, the transporting medium can no longer carry sediment load, causing particles to sink and settle. Larger particles typically settle first. === Forms of Deposition: === * '''Fluvial (Rivers):''' Creates floodplains, deltas, and alluvial fans. * '''Aeolian (Wind):''' Forms sand dunes and loess deposits. * '''Glacial (Ice):''' Deposits moraines, drumlins, and erratic boulders. * '''Marine (Ocean):''' Creates beaches, spits, and deep-sea sediment layers. A function of deposition is that it forms new land, creates sedimentary rock layers (through compaction/cementation over time), and contributes to, or degrades, habitats. A method of managing deposition is by controlling water velocity and reducing erosion sources, such as by managing agricultural runoff or stabilizing shorelines to reduce coastal erosion. = Historical Geology = While physical geology studies the ''current'' things about earth, historical geology studies the things that happened to earth in the ''past'', like how Theia crashed into Earth and made the moon or how the first ever cyanobacteria developed oxygen out of methane and carbon dioxide during the Proterozoic Eon. In Historical Geology, you will learn about: * the Paleozoic Era (The Age of Ancient Life): 252-541M years ago. * the Mesozoic Era (The Age of Reptiles): 66-252M years ago. * the Cenozoic Era (The Age of Mammals): current era. * and the Precambrian Eons; explained later on and how creatures of their times affected our modern world. == The Precambrian Eons == There isn't a Precambrian Era, but it consists of 3 eons, the Precambrian Eons. It also includes a period. These include: * the Hadean Eon: 4.6-4.0B years ago (Earth was molten and bombarded by asteroids). * the Archean Eon: 4.0-2.5B years ago (Earth's crust cooled, forming oceans and single-celled life): Neoarchean: 2.8-2.5B years ago (stabilized Earth's crust into the first continents, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria rose, initiating photosynthesis). * the Proterozoic Eon: 2.5B-541M years ago (cyanobacteria filled Earth with oxygen, setting up complex life); Cryogenian: 720-635M (Earth dramatically cools, glaciers stretch to the equator, Earth is almost completely encased in ice) * the Ediacaran Period: 635-538M years ago (massive global ice ages melt, soft multicellular organisms evolve, tube and disc-shaped dominate the sea floor). == Periods Of The Paleozoic Era == * Cambrian: 541-485M years ago (major animals are aquatic, trilobites and brachiopods rule, jawless fish emerge, super-continent Gondwana forms near the South Pole, the rest is bare rock) * Ordovician: 485-443M years ago (coral reefs begin to form, moss-like plants and fungi emerge on land, ice age starts, freezing oceans with glaciers, causing a mass extinction). * Silurian: 443-419M years ago (Earth's climate stabilizes, glaciers melt, sea levels rise, vascular plants with stems evolve, early spiders, centipedes, and insects move onto land). * Devonian: 419-359M years ago (fish develop armored scales and sharp jaws, trees and deep-rooted forests appear, tetrapods evolve from lobe-finned fish and crawl onto mudflats, rapid cooling and oxygen drops in the ocean causes another mass extinction). * Carboniferous: 359-299M years ago (tropical swamp forests cover the continents and die, forming coal beds, oxygen levels rise to 35% letting massive insects to evolve, animals lay amniotic eggs, allowing them to breed away from water). * Permian: 299-252M years ago (every continent collided, forming Pangea, Pangea's size creates vast, dry deserts in the interior, synapsids and reptiles spread across the dry land, massive volcanic eruptions in modern-day Siberia wipe out 95% of marine life). == Periods Of The Mesozoic Era == * Triassic: 252-201M (Pangea starts to crack apart, Earth is hot and dry, dinosaurs and mammals first evolve). * Jurassic: 201-145M (oceans flood continental rifts, giant plant-eating dinosaurs dominate, first birds take flight). * Cretaceous: 145-66M (flowering plants appear, Tyrannosaurus rex rules the land, asteroid impact wipes out dinosaurs). == Periods Of The Cenozoic Era == * Paleogene: 66-23M (climate is warm and tropical, mammals grow much larger, birds diversify rapidly). * Neogene: 23-2.6M (global temperatures cool down, vast grasslands spread, early human ancestors evolve). * Quaternary: 2.6M-present (giant ice ages over continents, modern humans spread globally, large mammals go extinct). == How The Mountains Were Made == * Taconic Orogeny: 450M years ago (an island arc collides with eastern North America, creating volcanic roots of the early Appalachian mountains). * Alleghenian Orogeny: 325-260M (Africa collides with North America during the assembly of Pangea, lifting the Appalachian Mountains to the height of the modern Himalayas). == Theia, The Moon, And Earth == [[File:FullMoon2010.jpg|alt=An image of the Moon.|thumb|The Moon]] About 4.5 billion years ago, the early Earth was molten and hot. Theia: a rogue planet roughly the size of Mars, flying through space at 25,000 miles per hour (40,000 km/h). Then, Theia delivered an off-center, blow to Earth. If it had been a head-on collision, both planets would have been pulverized into space dust. === The Ultimate Splatter Zone === The impact was so violent that it completely vaporized Theia and blasted a massive chunk of Earth’s outer crust into orbit. For a brief period, Earth looked a bit like Saturn, surrounded by a glowing, ring of molten rock and debris. You might think it took billions of years for that debris to form our Moon, but gravity does not like to wait around. Scientists estimate that the ring clumped together to form the Moon incredibly fast—potentially in less than a century, or even just a few months. === The Proof Is In The Moon Rocks === When Apollo astronauts brought rocks back from the Moon, scientists checked their "chemical DNA" (oxygen isotopes). Usually, planets from different parts of the solar system have completely unique chemical signatures. But the Moon's rocks perfectly matched the Earth's crust. === How Theia Changed Earth Forever === Without this catastrophic cosmic car crash, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Theia left behind three permanent parting gifts: * Our Seasons: The impact hit Earth so hard it knocked our planet onto a permanent 23.5-degree tilt. Without Theia, we wouldn't have Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring. * A Supercharged Core: Theia’s heavy iron core sank straight into the molten Earth and merged with our own. This gave Earth a massive magnetic field, acting like a giant shield that blocks deadly solar radiation. * Longer Days: Right after the crash, an Earth day lasted only 5 hours because the planet was spinning at breakneck speed. The Moon's gravity has spent the last 4.5 billion years acting like a brake pad, slowing our spin down to a comfortable 24 hours. == Largest Creatures Of Each Period == There are thousands of millions of different creatures that spawn from each period, but these are the largest of each: * Cambrian: Anomalocaris (a small three-foot-long marine predator with giant armored eyes and grasping claws that ruled the shallow seas). * Ordovician: Cameroceras (a massive twenty-foot-long straight-shelled squid that dominated the deep ocean). *Silurian: Pterygotus (a huge seven-foot-long sea scorpion with large flattening swimming paddles and sharp crushing claws that prowled the shallow coastal waters). *Devonian: Dunkleosteus (a terrifying thirty-foot-long armored predator fish with bone-shearing jaw plates instead of teeth that terrorized the deep seas). *Carboniferous: Arthropleura (a monstrous eight-foot-long land-dwelling millipede with a heavily armored, multi-segmented body that patrolled the lush forests). *Permian: Moschops (a heavy-set fifteen-foot-long mammal-like reptile with a barrel shaped body and a thick barrel-vaulted skull that roamed the ground). *Triassic: Shastasaurus (a gigantic seventy-foot-long marine reptile with a highly elongated toothless snout and slender flippers that commanded the open oceans). *Jurassic: Maraapunisaurus (a colossal 115-foot-long long-necked sauropod dinosaur with whip-like tails and massive column-like legs that stomped across the land). * Cretaceous: Patagotitan (a titanic ninety-foot-long sauropod dinosaur with a small head, immensely long neck, and heavy pillar legs that reigned over the continents). * Paleogene: Basilosaurus (a predatory sixty-foot-long early whale with an extremely elongated eel-like body and small vestigial hind legs that haunted the ancient seas). * Neogene: Megalodon (a ferocious fifty-foot-long apex predator shark with robust, triangular serrated teeth the size of a human hand that controlled the global oceans). * Quaternary: Blue whale (an immense one hundred-foot-long marine mammal with a streamlined, mottled blue-gray body and expansive baleen plates that inhabits the modern oceans). == Fossils == Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient life trapped inside Earth's crust. They act as nature's time capsules, allowing historical geologists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems, track evolution over millions of years, and pinpoint the exact ages of rock layers. === Types Of Fossilization === Animals and plants turn into fossils in several distinct ways, depending on how they were buried and what minerals were nearby: * Petrification: Mineral-rich water seeps into organic cavities and turns the original bone or wood entirely into solid rock (like petrified wood). * Molds and Casts: An organism dissolves inside a rock layer, leaving an empty hollow space (a mold) that later fills with sediment to create a perfect replica copy (a cast). * Carbonization: Intense underground heat and pressure squeeze out all liquids and gases, leaving a flat, thin, black film of carbon on the rock (common for leaves and fish). * Preservation: The rarest form where an entire organism is kept perfectly intact by being frozen in ice, dried out in caves, or trapped inside sticky tree sap (amber). * Trace Fossils: Rather than saving the body itself, these capture the active behavior of ancient life, including fossilized footprints, feeding burrows, and coprolites (fossilized poop). === How Geologists Use Fossils === Fossils are not just museum display pieces; they are essential field tools used by geologists to solve mysteries about Earth's past: * Index Fossils: Certain creatures (like Trilobites) lived everywhere on Earth but only for a very short geological timeframe. Finding one instantly reveals the exact age of that rock layer. * Ancient Climates (Paleoclimate): Finding a fossilized tropical palm tree or crocodile in modern-day Antarctica proves the freezing continent was once a warm, swampy jungle. * Continental Drift Evidence: Discovering the exact same freshwater reptile fossils in both South America and Africa helped prove the continents were once physically joined together. == Mass Extinctions == Earth's history has been completely rewritten five different times by catastrophic events known as the "Big Five" mass extinctions. These events wiped out the dominant species of their time, clearing the way for entirely new creatures to evolve. * Ordovician-Silurian Extinction: Intense global cooling and freezing ice ages locked up Earth's water, causing sea levels to drop drastically and destroying the shallow ocean habitats. * Late Devonian Extinction: A massive drop in ocean oxygen levels suffocated marine life, hitting reef-building creatures and armored predator fish the hardest. * Permian-Triassic Extinction ("The Great Dying"): The most devastating extinction in Earth's history, caused by massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia. It released toxic gases, triggered severe global warming, and wiped out 96% of all marine species. * Triassic-Jurassic Extinction: Huge underwater volcanic rifts opened up as Pangea began to split apart, raising carbon dioxide levels and triggering rapid climate changes that eliminated early reptiles. * Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction: A massive six-mile-wide asteroid smashed into modern-day Mexico, triggering global wildfires, a nuclear winter, and blocking out the sun, which famously wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. == Supercontinents == A supercontinent is a single, massive landmass made up of most or all of Earth's continental crust smashed together. Driven by tectonic plate movements, Earth goes through a "supercontinent cycle" roughly every 300 to 500 million years, where landmasses continually crash together, break apart, and scatter. === The Timeline Of Earth's Major Supercontinents === * Vaalbara (3.6 to 2.8 Billion Years Ago): Earth's earliest known hypothetical supercontinent, forming when the planet was mostly ocean and small volcanic island chains collided. * Kenorland (2.7 to 2.1 Billion Years Ago): Formed near the equator during the Neoarchean era, its breakup eventually triggered a massive global ice age due to rapid climate shifts. * Columbia / Nuna (1.8 to 1.3 Billion Years Ago): A giant landmass stretching across the globe that marked the first time large, modern continental blocks fully assembled. * Rodinia (1.1 Billion to 750 Million Years Ago): A massive supercontinent surrounded entirely by the Mirovia ocean, centered around modern-day North America before fracturing apart into a freezing, ice-covered Earth. * Pannotia (633 to 550 Million Years Ago): A short-lived landmass clustered near the South Pole that formed just before the Cambrian explosion of complex marine life. * Gondwana (550 to 175 Million Years Ago): An ancient southern supercontinent composed of modern-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. It existed as its own massive entity for millions of years before merging into Pangea, and then splitting back apart later. * Pangea (335 to 175 Million Years Ago): The most famous C-shaped supercontinent that united almost all of Earth's dry land, including the northern landmass of Laurasia and the southern landmass of Gondwana, creating a single home for early dinosaurs. === How Supercontinents Altered Earth's Climate And Crust === The formation of a supercontinent completely breaks the planet's normal systems, creating extreme environments found nowhere on modern Earth: * Hyperarid Interior Deserts: Because the landmass is so incredibly wide, rain clouds from the surrounding oceans dry up completely before they can ever reach the center. This creates massive, lifeless "super-deserts" in the heart of the continent. * Mega-Monsoons: The vast temperature difference between the roasting-hot interior landmass and the cold surrounding super-ocean creates violent, seasonal shifting winds, resulting in catastrophic monsoon downpours along the coastlines. * The "Snowball Earth" Effect: When supercontinents split apart, they create brand new coastlines that rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can drop global temperatures so fiercely that ice sheets completely cover the planet from poles to equator. * Mantle Superplumes and Volcanic Traps: When a supercontinent sits over one spot on Earth's crust for millions of years, it acts like an insulating blanket. Heat builds up directly underneath it, eventually triggering colossal volcanic eruptions (large igneous provinces) that rip the continent apart and spew toxic gases into the atmosphere. === How Geologists Prove They Existed === * Matching Coastlines: The continental shelves of separate continents (like South America and Africa) fit together perfectly like giant jigsaw puzzle pieces. * Fossil Belts: Identical ancient plant and animal fossils are found in narrow strips across oceans where the continents used to touch. * Matching Mountain Ranges: Rock layers and mountain chains (like the Appalachians in North America and the Scottish Highlands) share the exact same age, type, and composition. * Paleomagnetism (Magnetic Alignment): When volcanic rocks cool, iron minerals inside them align perfectly with Earth's magnetic north pole like tiny compass needles. Geologists measure this locked-in magnetic angle to calculate exactly where a continent was located on the globe millions of years ago. * Orogenic (Mountain Building) Belts: When tectonic plates crash together to form a supercontinent, the immense pressure crumples the crust upwards, leaving behind massive global scars of matching metamorphic rock layers across modern state and country borders. * Global Mineral Belts: Highly specific copper, gold, and uranium deposits match up perfectly in straight lines when you stitch the continents back together, showing they were formed by the exact same underground magma chambers. === How Supercontinents Drive Evolution === The locking together and breaking apart of landmasses acts as the ultimate evolutionary accelerator for life on Earth: * The Isolation Engine: When a supercontinent fractures into smaller islands and separate continents, animal populations become completely isolated from one another. This forces rapid, localized evolution to fill unique environmental niches (similar to how Madagascar or Australia evolved highly unique wildlife). * The Competition Arena: Conversely, when continents crash together into a single landmass, previously isolated species are forced to compete for the same food sources and habitats. This triggers massive evolutionary "arms races" where only the fittest, most adaptable creatures survive. === Future Supercontinents (The Next 250 Million Years) === Because tectonic plates never stop moving at a rate of a few centimeters per year, scientists have calculated four potential layouts for Earth's next ultimate supercontinent: * Pangea Ultima: A configuration where the Atlantic Ocean slows down, reverses direction, and closes completely—bringing the Americas crashing back into Africa and Europe. * Novopangea: A layout where the Pacific Ocean closes entirely instead of the Atlantic, causing the Americas to slam straight into Asia and Australia. * Aurica: A scenario where both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans close down completely, forcing a brand new ocean basin to rip open right through the center of modern Asia. * Amasia: A unique collision where all continents drift northward, clustering together directly over the North Pole, leaving Antarctica isolated at the bottom of the world. <references /> [[Category:Shelf:Geology]] 99fqjiyfz7ph8blrff9rlmuhoxix8b4 4653518 4653517 2026-07-10T19:02:48Z Koavf 16549 4653518 wikitext text/x-wiki = ''The Geoguide'' = On ''The Geoguide,'' you will learn about the different types of geology, types of rocks, gemstones, and lots of other stuff-- a true geologists dream! = Physical Geology = Physical geology is a branch of geology that studies the physical things of Earth, such as rocks, minerals, ''the very soil your house is sitting on right now'', and internal and external events, such as tectonic plate movements, weathering, and volcanism. It also focuses on how Earth works, like how mountains are formed and erosion. * The study of igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks, and their formation. * Understand the Earth’s interior structure, such as moving lithospheric plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. * Examine erosion, weathering, glaciation, and water action that change the very landscape as you read this. * Be able to identify the stone and minerals you walk on every single day. == Igneous == [[File:Granite_(pgpf_dike_facies,_Pikes_Peak_Batholith,_Mesoproterozoic,_1.08_GA;_Pikes_Peak,_Colorado,_USA)_2_(31566463242).jpg|alt=An image of granite.|thumb|A piece of the intrusive igneous rocks, granite.]] Igneous rocks are rocks formed when molten rock, magma or lava, cools and solidifies. Intrusive igneous rocks are slow-cooled inside Earth and coarse-grained. Ten examples of intrusive igneous rocks include: # Granite<ref>A common heavy, dense, and highly durable white-to-pink feldspar and dark flakes of biotite or amphibole coarse-grained rock </ref> # Gabbro<ref>A underground equivelent of basalt, dense, coarse-grained identifiable by its dark color, heavy feel, and crystalline texture</ref> # Diorite # Peridotite # Pegmatite # Syenite # Granodiorite # Diabase # Aplite # Anorthosite [[File:Olivine basalt (Cedar Canyon, Iron County, Utah, USA) 6 (48679986543).jpg|alt=An image of basalt.|thumb|A piece of the extrusive igneous rocks, basalt.]] Extrusive igneous rocks are rapidly-cooled outside the Earth and are generally smooth and shiny, but they can be porous or "bubbly". Ten examples of extrusive igneous rocks include: # Basalt # Andesite # Rhyolite # Obsidian # Pumice # Scoria # Tuff # Dacite # Pitchstone # Phonolite == Metamorphic == [[File:Slate Macro 1.JPG|alt=An image of slate.|thumb|A piece of the metamorphic rocks, slate.]] Metamorphic rocks are pre-existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) transformed by intense heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids deep within the Earth's crust. These rocks are characterized by recrystallization without melting, leading to changes in mineralogy and texture, often producing foliated (layered) or non-foliated structures. Ten examples of metamorphic rocks are: # Slate # Phyllite # Schist # Gneiss # Marble # Quartzite # Amphibolite # Hornfels # Migmatite # Eclogite [[File:Quartzose sandstone (Berea Sandstone, Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian; Rocky Fork, Gahanna, Ohio, USA) 2 (34247836980).jpg|alt=An image of sandstone.|thumb|A piece of the sedimentary rocks, sandstone.]] == Sedimentary == Sedimentary rocks are formed at the Earth's surface by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments, like mineral particles or organic matter. They often form in layers and are identified by their banded appearance, presence of fossils, and softer, porous nature. Ten examples of sedimentary rocks include: # Sandstone # Limestone # Shale # Conglomerate # Breccia # Siltstone # Dolostone # Chert # Coal # Gypsum = Understanding Earth's Insides = Now that you have learned the three different categories of rock identification, let's learn about the stuff right under you! == Lithospheric Plates == Lithospheric plates, or tectonic plates, are large, rigid, moving segments of Earth's outermost layer, comprising the crust and upper mantle. Ranging from 40–280 km thick, they essentially "float" on the pliable asthenosphere, fitting together like a giant puzzle. The main three events that happen with lithospheric plates include: * '''Convergent (Colliding):''' Plates collide, causing subduction or mountain building. * '''Divergent (Spreading):''' Plates move apart, creating new crust. * '''Transform (Sliding):''' Plates slide past one another, often causing earthquakes. == Volcanoes == Volcanoes begin as magma deep within the Earth, created by heat and pressure at tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots. This buoyant magma rises through cracks in the crust, collecting in chambers before erupting as lava, ash, and gases. Solidifying layers build mountains over time. Some types include: * '''Magma vs. Lava:''' Magma is molten rock below the surface; once it erupts, it is called lava. * '''Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes):''' Tall, steep cones built by layers of ash and thick lava. * '''Shield Volcanoes:''' Broad, gentle slopes formed by fluid, runny lava. * '''Cinder Cones:''' Small, simple, cone-shaped volcanoes built from blobs of congealed lava And the three states include: * '''Active:''' Currently erupting or showing signs of, or expected to, erupt soon. * '''Dormant:''' Not currently active, but has erupted recently and may erupt again. * '''Extinct:''' Not expected to erupt again. === How They Happen === Volcanic eruptions are driven by pressure from dissolved gases in the magma, which expand as the magma rises. Eruptions can be explosive (releasing ash and rock) or effusive (releasing lava flows). == Earthquakes == An earthquake is the intense shaking of Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the crust, typically when tectonic plates shift and slip along faults. These events occur due to built-up stress, creating seismic waves that shake the ground. === How Earthquakes Occur === * '''Tectonic Plate Movement:''' The Earth's crust is divided into massive plates that constantly move and slide past one another. * '''Fault Lines:''' When these plates get stuck but continue pushing, stress builds up until the rock fractures and breaks along faults. * '''Energy Release:''' This sudden release of stress produces seismic waves, which travel through the ground, causing shaking at the surface. === Key Terminology and Locations === * '''Hypocenter (Focus):''' The location ''below'' the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts. * '''Epicenter:''' The point on the Earth's surface ''directly above'' the hypocenter, often experiencing the most intense shaking. * '''Mainshock & Aftershocks:''' The main earthquake is the mainshock, while smaller, subsequent shakes in the same area are aftershocks. * '''Fault Types:''' Includes strike-slip (sliding past), normal (pulling apart), and thrust (pushing over) faults. While most earthquakes are tectonic, they can also be triggered by volcanic activity, landslides, or human activities like mining and hydraulic fracturing. = Events That Change The Land = Since you have now learned about Earth's internal components, let's focus on the things that change the very land! == Erosion == Erosion is the natural process of wearing away and transporting soil, rock, and sediment by agents like water, wind, and ice, often leading to landscape changes like mountains shrinking or riverbanks eroding. It decreases agricultural productivity, causes ecological damage, and is distinct from weathering because it includes transportation of material, whereas weathering only breaks it down. The three main types include: * '''Water Erosion:''' Includes splash, sheet, rill, and gully erosion. * '''Wind Erosion:''' Occurs through deflation, removing loose soil and sand. * '''Ice Erosion:''' Glacial movement that carves valleys and moves debris. '''Examples:''' Rain washing soil from hills, ocean waves reshaping coastlines, and rivers carving canyons. '''Effects:''' Land degradation, loss of nutrient-rich topsoil, destruction of habitats, and potential desertification. '''Erosion vs. Weathering:''' Weathering is the immediate breakdown of rocks (disintegration), while erosion is the removal and transport of that material to a new location. Erosion can act as a natural "cleaning" process but, when accelerated by human activity (e.g., deforestation, construction), it causes massive on-site and off-site damage. == Weathering == Weathering is the breakdown of rocks, soils, and minerals at/or near the Earth's surface through physical, chemical, and biological processes. Driven by water, ice, temperature changes, and organisms, it transforms bedrock into sediment, creating landscapes like the Grand Canyon. It differs from erosion, which transports these materials. The three main types of weathering are: * '''Physical/Mechanical Weathering:''' Breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition, often through ice wedging, thermal expansion, or salt crystallization. * '''Chemical Weathering:''' Alters the molecular structure of minerals, causing them to dissolve or break down, often via water, oxygen, or acids. * '''Biological Weathering:''' Occurs when living organisms (roots, burrowing animals, bacteria) break down rocks. === Primary Causes and Processes === ==== Physical Processes: ==== * '''Frost Wedging (Cryofracturing):''' Water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, splitting the rock. * '''Thermal Expansion:''' Constant heating and cooling in desert environments cause rocks to weaken and peel (exfoliation). * '''Pressure Release:''' As overlying rock is removed, underlying rock expands and cracks. ==== Chemical Processes: ==== * '''Oxidation:''' Oxygen reacts with iron-containing minerals, creating iron oxide (rust). * '''Carbonation/Dissolution:''' Rainwater mixed with CO2 creates weak carbonic acid that dissolves rocks like limestone. * '''Hydrolysis:''' Water reacts with minerals to break them down, often forming clay. ==== Biological Processes: ==== * Tree roots grow into crevices and pry rocks apart, while burrowing animals expose new surfaces to air and water. Weathering constantly changes the landscape, wearing away surfaces to form landforms such as arches, pedestals, and sea caves. It is essential for soil formation and prepares rock material to be moved by erosion. Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, accelerates chemical weathering through acid rain. == Deposition == Deposition is the process where transported sediments, such as rock fragments, soil, debris, or organic matter, settle and are laid down in new locations as transporting agents (water, wind, ice) lose energy. It builds up landforms like deltas, beaches, and sand dunes, acting as the final step in the erosion-transport-deposition cycle. * '''Process:''' As water or wind velocity decreases, the transporting medium can no longer carry sediment load, causing particles to sink and settle. Larger particles typically settle first. === Forms of Deposition: === * '''Fluvial (Rivers):''' Creates floodplains, deltas, and alluvial fans. * '''Aeolian (Wind):''' Forms sand dunes and loess deposits. * '''Glacial (Ice):''' Deposits moraines, drumlins, and erratic boulders. * '''Marine (Ocean):''' Creates beaches, spits, and deep-sea sediment layers. A function of deposition is that it forms new land, creates sedimentary rock layers (through compaction/cementation over time), and contributes to, or degrades, habitats. A method of managing deposition is by controlling water velocity and reducing erosion sources, such as by managing agricultural runoff or stabilizing shorelines to reduce coastal erosion. = Historical Geology = While physical geology studies the ''current'' things about earth, historical geology studies the things that happened to earth in the ''past'', like how Theia crashed into Earth and made the moon or how the first ever cyanobacteria developed oxygen out of methane and carbon dioxide during the Proterozoic Eon. In Historical Geology, you will learn about: * the Paleozoic Era (The Age of Ancient Life): 252-541M years ago. * the Mesozoic Era (The Age of Reptiles): 66-252M years ago. * the Cenozoic Era (The Age of Mammals): current era. * and the Precambrian Eons; explained later on and how creatures of their times affected our modern world. == The Precambrian Eons == There isn't a Precambrian Era, but it consists of 3 eons, the Precambrian Eons. It also includes a period. These include: * the Hadean Eon: 4.6-4.0B years ago (Earth was molten and bombarded by asteroids). * the Archean Eon: 4.0-2.5B years ago (Earth's crust cooled, forming oceans and single-celled life): Neoarchean: 2.8-2.5B years ago (stabilized Earth's crust into the first continents, oxygen-producing cyanobacteria rose, initiating photosynthesis). * the Proterozoic Eon: 2.5B-541M years ago (cyanobacteria filled Earth with oxygen, setting up complex life); Cryogenian: 720-635M (Earth dramatically cools, glaciers stretch to the equator, Earth is almost completely encased in ice) * the Ediacaran Period: 635-538M years ago (massive global ice ages melt, soft multicellular organisms evolve, tube and disc-shaped dominate the sea floor). == Periods Of The Paleozoic Era == * Cambrian: 541-485M years ago (major animals are aquatic, trilobites and brachiopods rule, jawless fish emerge, super-continent Gondwana forms near the South Pole, the rest is bare rock) * Ordovician: 485-443M years ago (coral reefs begin to form, moss-like plants and fungi emerge on land, ice age starts, freezing oceans with glaciers, causing a mass extinction). * Silurian: 443-419M years ago (Earth's climate stabilizes, glaciers melt, sea levels rise, vascular plants with stems evolve, early spiders, centipedes, and insects move onto land). * Devonian: 419-359M years ago (fish develop armored scales and sharp jaws, trees and deep-rooted forests appear, tetrapods evolve from lobe-finned fish and crawl onto mudflats, rapid cooling and oxygen drops in the ocean causes another mass extinction). * Carboniferous: 359-299M years ago (tropical swamp forests cover the continents and die, forming coal beds, oxygen levels rise to 35% letting massive insects to evolve, animals lay amniotic eggs, allowing them to breed away from water). * Permian: 299-252M years ago (every continent collided, forming Pangea, Pangea's size creates vast, dry deserts in the interior, synapsids and reptiles spread across the dry land, massive volcanic eruptions in modern-day Siberia wipe out 95% of marine life). == Periods Of The Mesozoic Era == * Triassic: 252-201M (Pangea starts to crack apart, Earth is hot and dry, dinosaurs and mammals first evolve). * Jurassic: 201-145M (oceans flood continental rifts, giant plant-eating dinosaurs dominate, first birds take flight). * Cretaceous: 145-66M (flowering plants appear, Tyrannosaurus rex rules the land, asteroid impact wipes out dinosaurs). == Periods Of The Cenozoic Era == * Paleogene: 66-23M (climate is warm and tropical, mammals grow much larger, birds diversify rapidly). * Neogene: 23-2.6M (global temperatures cool down, vast grasslands spread, early human ancestors evolve). * Quaternary: 2.6M-present (giant ice ages over continents, modern humans spread globally, large mammals go extinct). == How The Mountains Were Made == * Taconic Orogeny: 450M years ago (an island arc collides with eastern North America, creating volcanic roots of the early Appalachian mountains). * Alleghenian Orogeny: 325-260M (Africa collides with North America during the assembly of Pangea, lifting the Appalachian Mountains to the height of the modern Himalayas). == Theia, The Moon, And Earth == [[File:FullMoon2010.jpg|alt=An image of the Moon.|thumb|The Moon]] About 4.5 billion years ago, the early Earth was molten and hot. Theia: a rogue planet roughly the size of Mars, flying through space at 25,000 miles per hour (40,000 km/h). Then, Theia delivered an off-center, blow to Earth. If it had been a head-on collision, both planets would have been pulverized into space dust. === The Ultimate Splatter Zone === The impact was so violent that it completely vaporized Theia and blasted a massive chunk of Earth’s outer crust into orbit. For a brief period, Earth looked a bit like Saturn, surrounded by a glowing, ring of molten rock and debris. You might think it took billions of years for that debris to form our Moon, but gravity does not like to wait around. Scientists estimate that the ring clumped together to form the Moon incredibly fast—potentially in less than a century, or even just a few months. === The Proof Is In The Moon Rocks === When Apollo astronauts brought rocks back from the Moon, scientists checked their "chemical DNA" (oxygen isotopes). Usually, planets from different parts of the solar system have completely unique chemical signatures. But the Moon's rocks perfectly matched the Earth's crust. === How Theia Changed Earth Forever === Without this catastrophic cosmic car crash, life as we know it wouldn't exist. Theia left behind three permanent parting gifts: * Our Seasons: The impact hit Earth so hard it knocked our planet onto a permanent 23.5-degree tilt. Without Theia, we wouldn't have Summer, Fall, Winter, or Spring. * A Supercharged Core: Theia’s heavy iron core sank straight into the molten Earth and merged with our own. This gave Earth a massive magnetic field, acting like a giant shield that blocks deadly solar radiation. * Longer Days: Right after the crash, an Earth day lasted only 5 hours because the planet was spinning at breakneck speed. The Moon's gravity has spent the last 4.5 billion years acting like a brake pad, slowing our spin down to a comfortable 24 hours. == Largest Creatures Of Each Period == There are thousands of millions of different creatures that spawn from each period, but these are the largest of each: * Cambrian: Anomalocaris (a small three-foot-long marine predator with giant armored eyes and grasping claws that ruled the shallow seas). * Ordovician: Cameroceras (a massive twenty-foot-long straight-shelled squid that dominated the deep ocean). *Silurian: Pterygotus (a huge seven-foot-long sea scorpion with large flattening swimming paddles and sharp crushing claws that prowled the shallow coastal waters). *Devonian: Dunkleosteus (a terrifying thirty-foot-long armored predator fish with bone-shearing jaw plates instead of teeth that terrorized the deep seas). *Carboniferous: Arthropleura (a monstrous eight-foot-long land-dwelling millipede with a heavily armored, multi-segmented body that patrolled the lush forests). *Permian: Moschops (a heavy-set fifteen-foot-long mammal-like reptile with a barrel shaped body and a thick barrel-vaulted skull that roamed the ground). *Triassic: Shastasaurus (a gigantic seventy-foot-long marine reptile with a highly elongated toothless snout and slender flippers that commanded the open oceans). *Jurassic: Maraapunisaurus (a colossal 115-foot-long long-necked sauropod dinosaur with whip-like tails and massive column-like legs that stomped across the land). * Cretaceous: Patagotitan (a titanic ninety-foot-long sauropod dinosaur with a small head, immensely long neck, and heavy pillar legs that reigned over the continents). * Paleogene: Basilosaurus (a predatory sixty-foot-long early whale with an extremely elongated eel-like body and small vestigial hind legs that haunted the ancient seas). * Neogene: Megalodon (a ferocious fifty-foot-long apex predator shark with robust, triangular serrated teeth the size of a human hand that controlled the global oceans). * Quaternary: Blue whale (an immense one hundred-foot-long marine mammal with a streamlined, mottled blue-gray body and expansive baleen plates that inhabits the modern oceans). == Fossils == Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient life trapped inside Earth's crust. They act as nature's time capsules, allowing historical geologists to reconstruct vanished ecosystems, track evolution over millions of years, and pinpoint the exact ages of rock layers. === Types Of Fossilization === Animals and plants turn into fossils in several distinct ways, depending on how they were buried and what minerals were nearby: * Petrification: Mineral-rich water seeps into organic cavities and turns the original bone or wood entirely into solid rock (like petrified wood). * Molds and Casts: An organism dissolves inside a rock layer, leaving an empty hollow space (a mold) that later fills with sediment to create a perfect replica copy (a cast). * Carbonization: Intense underground heat and pressure squeeze out all liquids and gases, leaving a flat, thin, black film of carbon on the rock (common for leaves and fish). * Preservation: The rarest form where an entire organism is kept perfectly intact by being frozen in ice, dried out in caves, or trapped inside sticky tree sap (amber). * Trace Fossils: Rather than saving the body itself, these capture the active behavior of ancient life, including fossilized footprints, feeding burrows, and coprolites (fossilized poop). === How Geologists Use Fossils === Fossils are not just museum display pieces; they are essential field tools used by geologists to solve mysteries about Earth's past: * Index Fossils: Certain creatures (like Trilobites) lived everywhere on Earth but only for a very short geological timeframe. Finding one instantly reveals the exact age of that rock layer. * Ancient Climates (Paleoclimate): Finding a fossilized tropical palm tree or crocodile in modern-day Antarctica proves the freezing continent was once a warm, swampy jungle. * Continental Drift Evidence: Discovering the exact same freshwater reptile fossils in both South America and Africa helped prove the continents were once physically joined together. == Mass Extinctions == Earth's history has been completely rewritten five different times by catastrophic events known as the "Big Five" mass extinctions. These events wiped out the dominant species of their time, clearing the way for entirely new creatures to evolve. * Ordovician-Silurian Extinction: Intense global cooling and freezing ice ages locked up Earth's water, causing sea levels to drop drastically and destroying the shallow ocean habitats. * Late Devonian Extinction: A massive drop in ocean oxygen levels suffocated marine life, hitting reef-building creatures and armored predator fish the hardest. * Permian-Triassic Extinction ("The Great Dying"): The most devastating extinction in Earth's history, caused by massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia. It released toxic gases, triggered severe global warming, and wiped out 96% of all marine species. * Triassic-Jurassic Extinction: Huge underwater volcanic rifts opened up as Pangea began to split apart, raising carbon dioxide levels and triggering rapid climate changes that eliminated early reptiles. * Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction: A massive six-mile-wide asteroid smashed into modern-day Mexico, triggering global wildfires, a nuclear winter, and blocking out the sun, which famously wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. == Supercontinents == A supercontinent is a single, massive landmass made up of most or all of Earth's continental crust smashed together. Driven by tectonic plate movements, Earth goes through a "supercontinent cycle" roughly every 300 to 500 million years, where landmasses continually crash together, break apart, and scatter. === The Timeline Of Earth's Major Supercontinents === * Vaalbara (3.6 to 2.8 Billion Years Ago): Earth's earliest known hypothetical supercontinent, forming when the planet was mostly ocean and small volcanic island chains collided. * Kenorland (2.7 to 2.1 Billion Years Ago): Formed near the equator during the Neoarchean era, its breakup eventually triggered a massive global ice age due to rapid climate shifts. * Columbia / Nuna (1.8 to 1.3 Billion Years Ago): A giant landmass stretching across the globe that marked the first time large, modern continental blocks fully assembled. * Rodinia (1.1 Billion to 750 Million Years Ago): A massive supercontinent surrounded entirely by the Mirovia ocean, centered around modern-day North America before fracturing apart into a freezing, ice-covered Earth. * Pannotia (633 to 550 Million Years Ago): A short-lived landmass clustered near the South Pole that formed just before the Cambrian explosion of complex marine life. * Gondwana (550 to 175 Million Years Ago): An ancient southern supercontinent composed of modern-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, India, and Australia. It existed as its own massive entity for millions of years before merging into Pangea, and then splitting back apart later. * Pangea (335 to 175 Million Years Ago): The most famous C-shaped supercontinent that united almost all of Earth's dry land, including the northern landmass of Laurasia and the southern landmass of Gondwana, creating a single home for early dinosaurs. === How Supercontinents Altered Earth's Climate And Crust === The formation of a supercontinent completely breaks the planet's normal systems, creating extreme environments found nowhere on modern Earth: * Hyperarid Interior Deserts: Because the landmass is so incredibly wide, rain clouds from the surrounding oceans dry up completely before they can ever reach the center. This creates massive, lifeless "super-deserts" in the heart of the continent. * Mega-Monsoons: The vast temperature difference between the roasting-hot interior landmass and the cold surrounding super-ocean creates violent, seasonal shifting winds, resulting in catastrophic monsoon downpours along the coastlines. * The "Snowball Earth" Effect: When supercontinents split apart, they create brand new coastlines that rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can drop global temperatures so fiercely that ice sheets completely cover the planet from poles to equator. * Mantle Superplumes and Volcanic Traps: When a supercontinent sits over one spot on Earth's crust for millions of years, it acts like an insulating blanket. Heat builds up directly underneath it, eventually triggering colossal volcanic eruptions (large igneous provinces) that rip the continent apart and spew toxic gases into the atmosphere. === How Geologists Prove They Existed === * Matching Coastlines: The continental shelves of separate continents (like South America and Africa) fit together perfectly like giant jigsaw puzzle pieces. * Fossil Belts: Identical ancient plant and animal fossils are found in narrow strips across oceans where the continents used to touch. * Matching Mountain Ranges: Rock layers and mountain chains (like the Appalachians in North America and the Scottish Highlands) share the exact same age, type, and composition. * Paleomagnetism (Magnetic Alignment): When volcanic rocks cool, iron minerals inside them align perfectly with Earth's magnetic north pole like tiny compass needles. Geologists measure this locked-in magnetic angle to calculate exactly where a continent was located on the globe millions of years ago. * Orogenic (Mountain Building) Belts: When tectonic plates crash together to form a supercontinent, the immense pressure crumples the crust upwards, leaving behind massive global scars of matching metamorphic rock layers across modern state and country borders. * Global Mineral Belts: Highly specific copper, gold, and uranium deposits match up perfectly in straight lines when you stitch the continents back together, showing they were formed by the exact same underground magma chambers. === How Supercontinents Drive Evolution === The locking together and breaking apart of landmasses acts as the ultimate evolutionary accelerator for life on Earth: * The Isolation Engine: When a supercontinent fractures into smaller islands and separate continents, animal populations become completely isolated from one another. This forces rapid, localized evolution to fill unique environmental niches (similar to how Madagascar or Australia evolved highly unique wildlife). * The Competition Arena: Conversely, when continents crash together into a single landmass, previously isolated species are forced to compete for the same food sources and habitats. This triggers massive evolutionary "arms races" where only the fittest, most adaptable creatures survive. === Future Supercontinents (The Next 250 Million Years) === Because tectonic plates never stop moving at a rate of a few centimeters per year, scientists have calculated four potential layouts for Earth's next ultimate supercontinent: * Pangea Ultima: A configuration where the Atlantic Ocean slows down, reverses direction, and closes completely—bringing the Americas crashing back into Africa and Europe. * Novopangea: A layout where the Pacific Ocean closes entirely instead of the Atlantic, causing the Americas to slam straight into Asia and Australia. * Aurica: A scenario where both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans close down completely, forcing a brand new ocean basin to rip open right through the center of modern Asia. * Amasia: A unique collision where all continents drift northward, clustering together directly over the North Pole, leaving Antarctica isolated at the bottom of the world. <references /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Geoguide}} [[Category:Shelf:Geology]] f81n3phor9a0ywj68rwfh6rvgqvlxb5 Taiwan history 0 484088 4653982 4653451 2026-07-11T11:54:25Z 一隻北極熊 3609960 4653982 wikitext text/x-wiki {{New book}}[[File:世界最美總統府.jpg|thumb|The front view of the Office of the President,Taiwan|400px]] <div align="center" style="font-size:2.8em; color:; margin:0.4em">'''History of Taiwan'''</div> Welcome to the '''Taiwan History Textbook!''' This is a free and open textbook about Taiwanese history. Our goal is to write a high quality textbook about Taiwanese history. Feel free to edit this book if you have knowledge on the history of Taiwan and are fluent in English! This book is originally Chinese and now is translated in to English. ==Contents== {| border="0" width="75%" |- | valign="top" width="48%" | '''Introduction''' * [[/About Taiwan History|About Taiwan History]] {{stage short|100%|Jun 29, 2026}} '''Early Taiwan (-1683)'''<br> 1. [[/Prehistorical and the indigenous culture|Prehistorical and the indigenous culture<br>(-1624)]]{{stage short|100%|Jun 28, 2026}}<br> 2. [[/The Dutch and Spanish rule|The Dutch and Spanish rule<br>(1624-1662)]] {{stage short|100%|Jun 30, 2026}}<br> 3. [[/Kingdom of Tungning|Kingdom of Tungning<br>(1662-1683)]] {{stage short|100%|Jun 30, 2026}}<br> 4. [[/Han Chinese migration to Taiwan|Han Chinese migration to Taiwan]] {{stage short|100%|Jun 28, 2026}}<br> '''Qing Rule (1683–1895)'''<br> 5. [[/Period of Passive Rule over Taiwan|Period of Passive Rule over Taiwan<br>(1683–mid-19th century)]]{{stage short|100%|Jul 2, 2026}}<br> 6. [[/The Period of Transformation and the Opening of the Port|The Period of Transformation and the Opening of the Port<br>(1858-1874)]]{{stage short|50%|Jul 5, 2026}}<br> 7. [[/The period of active province-building in Taiwan|The period of active province-building in Taiwan<br>(1885-1895)]]{{stage short|25%|Jul 5, 2026}}<br> '''Japanese Rule (1895-1945)'''<br> 8. [[/Republic of Formosa|Republic of Formosa<br>(1895)]] {{stage short|75%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 9. [[/Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan|Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan<br>(1895-1945)]] {{stage short|50%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 10. [[/Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan|Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 11. [[/The Political Movements of Chiang Wei-shui and Lin Hsien-tang|The Political Movements of Chiang Wei-shui and Lin Hsien-tang<br>(1921-1927)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 12. [[/Taiwan in World War II|Taiwan in World War II<br>(1937-1945)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> ''' ROC Rule (1945-)'''<br> 13. [[/Post-war takeover|Post-war takeover<br>(1945-1949)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 14. [[/February 28 incident|February 28 incident<br>(1947)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 15. [[/ROC retreats to Taiwan|ROC retreats to Taiwan<br>(1949)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 28, 2026}}<br> 16. [[/The land reform|The land reform<br>(1950s)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29, 2026}}<br> 17. [[/Taiwan Strait Crisis|Taiwan Strait Crisis<br>(1954-)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29,2026}}<br> 18. [[/White Terror|White Terror<br>(1947-1987)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29,2026}}<br> 19. [[/Diplomatic challenges |Diplomatic challenges<br>(1970s)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29,2026}}<br> 20. [[/Economic Miracle|Economic Miracle<br>(1960s-1980s)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29,2026}}<br> 21. [[/Taiwan's democratization|Taiwan's democratization<br>(1987-2000)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29,2026}}<br> 22. [[/Modern Taiwan|Modern Taiwan<br>(2000-)]] {{stage short|0%|Jun 29,2026}}<br> |} == Appendices== {| border="0" width="75%" |- | valign="top" width="48%" | * [[/Historical Maps of Taiwan/]] {{stage short|75%|Jun 29, 2026}} * [[/Print version/]] *[[/Contributors/]] |} ==Related Books== *[[History of China]] *[[Chinese History]] *[[Chinese (Mandarin)]] *[[Hokkien]] {{BookCat}} {{Shelves|History}} {{Shelves|Asian history}} {{Status|25%}} {{bookCat}} fuvgh1k4ijher5vzjgja2cik6ev4qeq User talk:Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d 3 484198 4653499 4642350 2026-07-10T16:49:32Z Cabayi 91903 Cabayi moved page [[User talk:Velorak]] to [[User talk:Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d]] without leaving a redirect: Automatically moved page while renaming the user "[[Special:CentralAuth/Velorak|Velorak]]" to "[[Special:CentralAuth/Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d|Renamed user 86b7651314b97c07bfb294c41f05b19d]]" 4642350 wikitext text/x-wiki phoiac9h4m842xq45sp7s6u21eteeq1 C Programming/Language Reference 0 484320 4653895 4652690 2026-07-11T04:03:25Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[C programming/Language Reference]] to [[C programming/Language reference]] 4653895 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[C programming/Language reference]] nrscr7h1aipv4n6dsr89ichq2waduiz Talk:C Programming/Language Reference 1 484321 4653950 4652692 2026-07-11T04:03:51Z JackBot 396820 Bot: Fixing double redirect from [[Talk:C programming/Language Reference]] to [[Talk:C programming/Language reference]] 4653950 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Talk:C programming/Language reference]] m2o9huvd80q3zkpb8bc3s44i5cq904i The Complete Encyclopedia of Self-Help Techniques/Anti-Psychotics 0 484582 4653722 4653323 2026-07-11T01:00:40Z JackBot 396820 Formatting, [[Special:UncategorizedPages]] 4653722 wikitext text/x-wiki '''Anti-psychotic''' medication (known collo. as "'''''Anti-Psychotic'''('''s''')''" ) are certain families of psychiatric medications (almost always non-narcotic) that are useful in relieving the painful, distressing symptoms of mental conditions often referred to as: a '''psychotic break''', a '''psychotic episode''', or often just simply, '''psychosis.''' Humankind has recorded evidence through writings, archaelogical digs, of what would now be considered ''"psychotic behavior",'' since the dawn of recorded history and tools. Most symptoms of what we know today as '''psychosis''' were, until the mid-late 19th century CE, usually interpreted by proto-society as either evidence of some kind of '''spiritual illness''' or usually '''demon-possessed''' - even as it is clear that the vast majority of non-chronic cases are ''episodic'' in nature. The unfortunate individuals unable to successfully evade such labels were often '''outcast''' from society, made to conform to '''strict religious teachings''' or outright killed '''altogether.''' In its intellectual pause and Reconstructive peace that categorically defined the tense, last-few decades of the 19th Century as overly Puritan; and, as the First Industrial Age's sweeping, climatic throes of growth and societal change waned slowly enough that it became possible to quantify and organize advancements and what was to be considered newfound historical trend - the form of Western psychiatry and dialectics that is ''infamous'' today for it's general lack of efficacy and perverse incentive structure began to slowly take shape. In short, '''Anti-Psychotics''' are a certain, special type of psychiatric medication (usually found to end with the suffix ''-zine'' ), that are commonly prescribed to patients experiencing short to long-term '''psychosis''' or who have reported '''psychotic symptoms''' in the recent past. {{BookCat}} nat99i815sw509hc66tw15lj6lhkxcb Chinese (Mandarin)/Lesson 17/Examples 0 484590 4653721 4653399 2026-07-11T01:00:39Z JackBot 396820 Formatting, [[Special:UncategorizedPages]] 4653721 wikitext text/x-wiki {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Simplified (简) ! Traditional (繁) ! Pinyin 1 ! Example 1 ! Pinyin 2 ! Example 2 |- | 长 | 長 | cháng | 长度(length) | zhǎng | 长高(Growing taller) |- | 行 | 行 | xíng | 行走(walk) | háng | 第一行(first row) |- | 得 | 得 | dé | 得到(get) | děi | 总得(must) |- | 还 | 還 | hái | 还要(still need) | huán | 还钱(return money) |- | 好 | 好 | hǎo | 好棒(good) | hào | 好客(hospitable) |- | 乐 | 樂 | lè | 快乐(happy) | yuè | 音乐(music) |- | 觉 | 覺 | jué | 察觉(aware) | jiào | 睡觉(sleep) |- | 看 | 看 | kàn | 看书(read book) | kān | 看门(look after the house) |- | 少 | 少 | shǎo | 少量(little amount) | shào | 少女(young girl) |- | 便 | 便 | biàn | 便利(convenient) | pián | 便宜(cheap) |- | 重 | 重 | zhòng | 重物(heavy thing) | chóng | 重复(repeat) |- | 发 | 發 | fā | 批发(Wholesale) | fà | 头发(hair) |- | 调 | 調 | tiáo | 调味(Seasoning) | diào | 声调(tone) |- | 切 | 切 | qiē | 切菜(cut vegetable) | qiè | 切记(must remember) |} {{BookCat}} blsdr7uuyorc7xbvcyet1uos6afpyau User:Gauri Guptaa/common.js 2 484593 4653491 4653411 2026-07-10T15:50:40Z Gauri Guptaa 3612563 4653491 javascript text/javascript // [[User:Gauri_Guptaa/chapterNavInjector.js]] — auto prev/next chapter nav mw.loader.load( '/w/index.php?title=User:Gauri_Guptaa/chapterNavInjector.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript' ); // [[User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js]] — auto-collapse plain-text exercise answers mw.loader.load( '/w/index.php?title=User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript' ); h0bv0ro3j7nl2fwr0qddeopnezctk6f Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Saab/VIN Codes 0 484603 4653511 4653444 2026-07-10T18:19:11Z JustTheFacts33 3434282 /* Position 8, Engine */ 4653511 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Warning}}{{clear}} ===Positions 1–3, World Manufacturer Identifier:=== * YS3 - Saab passenger car * YK1 - Saab passenger car made by Valmet in Finland ('81-'83) * JF4 - Saab passenger car made by Subaru in Japan ('05-'06 9-2X) * 3G0 - Saab MPV made by GM in Mexico ('11 9-4X) * 5S3 - Saab MPV made by GM in US ('05-'09 9-7X) ===Positions 4, Model Line:=== * A = 900 (1st gen. - '81-'93, '94 convertible) * C = 9000 ('86-'98) * D = 900 (2nd gen. - '94-'98 3-d/5-d, '95-'98 convertible) * D = 9-3 (1st gen. - '99-'02, '03 convertible) * E = 9-5 (1st gen. - '99-'09) * F = 9-3 (2nd gen. - '03-'11 4-d, '04-'11 convertible, '06-'11 wagon) * G = 9-5 (2nd gen. - '10-'11) ===Positions 6, Body Style:=== * 2 = 2-dr. sedan ('85-'86 900) * 3 = 3-dr. hatchback ('81-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3) * 4 = 4-dr. sedan ('81-'93 900, '03-'11 9-3, '89-'95 9000, '99-'11 9-5) * 5 = 5-dr. hatchback ('94-'98 900, '86-'92 9000) * 5 = 5-dr. wagon ('99-'09 9-5 wagon/SportCombi, '06-'11 9-3 SportCombi) * 6 = 5-dr. hatchback ('93-'98 9000) * 7 = 2-dr. convertible ('86-'98 900, '99-'11 9-3) ===Positions 7, Transmission: ('84+)=== * 5 = 5-spd. manual ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible, '86-'98 9000) * 6 = 3-spd. automatic ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible) * 6 = 6-spd. manual ('03-'07 9-3) * 8 = 4-spd. automatic ('94-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3, '03 9-3 convertible, '86-'98 9000, '99-'01 9-5) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic ('02-'07 9-5) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic ('06-'07 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 2 = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 5 = 5-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-5) * 6 = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-3) * 7 = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 2.0T FWD, '08-'09 9-5) * A = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('11 9-5) * B = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('10-'11 9-3, '10-'11 9-5) * C = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('10-'11 9-3) * M = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('10-'11 9-3, '11 9-5) * N = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('10-'11 9-3) ===Position 8, Engine=== *A = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235L I4 ('05 9-5 Arc) *E = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235E Light-pressure turbo I4 ('05 9-5 Linear) *G = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235R high output I4 ('02 9-3 Viggen, '05 9-5 Aero, '06-'09 9-5) *J = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab A28NER V6 (RPO code: LAU) ('10-'11 9-5) *K = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205R high output I4 ('02 9-3 SE 5-d, '02-'03 9-3 SE convertible) *R = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284R high output V6 <br> ('08-'09 9-3 Aero XWD 4-d/wagon, '08 9-3 Turbo X XWD 4-d/wagon, '09 9-3 Aero FWD convertible) *R = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] Gas/E85 Flex-Fuel (Biopower) DOHC 16-valve Direct injection GM Ecotec Gen II Saab A20NFT I4 (RPO code: LHU) ('11 9-5) *S = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207L Light-pressure turbo I4 ('03-'05 9-3 Linear) *U = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284L V6 ('06-'08 9-3 Aero FWD) *Y = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207R high output I4 ('03 9-3 Arc, Vector, '04-'05 9-3 Arc, Aero, '06-'11 9-3 2.0T) ===Position 9, Check Digit=== [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Check digit |Check digit]] ===Position 10, Model Year: === [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Model year|Model year]] ===Position 11, Production Plant:=== * 1: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 1: '81-'85 900, Line A: '86-'98 9000, '03-'11 9-3) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 2: '81-'85 900, Line B: '86-'98 900, '88-'91 9000) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line A: '99-'02 9-3) * 3: Arlov, Sweden ('85-'90 900) * 3: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line B: '99-'09 9-5) * 4: Trollhattan, Sweden ('10-'11 9-5) * 5: Malmo, Sweden ('90-'91 900) * 6: Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr plant: '04-'10 9-3 convertible) * 7: Uusikaupunki, Finland (Valmet plant - '85-'98 900, '99-'03 9-3) * 9: Trollhattan, Sweden (Prototype Line) '''Positions 12–17, Serial Number''' {{BookCat}} 1r8m31ckv6mk2ltjl40imaqiyjp0vl3 4653534 4653511 2026-07-10T20:35:27Z JustTheFacts33 3434282 /* Position 8, Engine */ 4653534 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Warning}}{{clear}} ===Positions 1–3, World Manufacturer Identifier:=== * YS3 - Saab passenger car * YK1 - Saab passenger car made by Valmet in Finland ('81-'83) * JF4 - Saab passenger car made by Subaru in Japan ('05-'06 9-2X) * 3G0 - Saab MPV made by GM in Mexico ('11 9-4X) * 5S3 - Saab MPV made by GM in US ('05-'09 9-7X) ===Positions 4, Model Line:=== * A = 900 (1st gen. - '81-'93, '94 convertible) * C = 9000 ('86-'98) * D = 900 (2nd gen. - '94-'98 3-d/5-d, '95-'98 convertible) * D = 9-3 (1st gen. - '99-'02, '03 convertible) * E = 9-5 (1st gen. - '99-'09) * F = 9-3 (2nd gen. - '03-'11 4-d, '04-'11 convertible, '06-'11 wagon) * G = 9-5 (2nd gen. - '10-'11) ===Positions 6, Body Style:=== * 2 = 2-dr. sedan ('85-'86 900) * 3 = 3-dr. hatchback ('81-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3) * 4 = 4-dr. sedan ('81-'93 900, '03-'11 9-3, '89-'95 9000, '99-'11 9-5) * 5 = 5-dr. hatchback ('94-'98 900, '86-'92 9000) * 5 = 5-dr. wagon ('99-'09 9-5 wagon/SportCombi, '06-'11 9-3 SportCombi) * 6 = 5-dr. hatchback ('93-'98 9000) * 7 = 2-dr. convertible ('86-'98 900, '99-'11 9-3) ===Positions 7, Transmission: ('84+)=== * 5 = 5-spd. manual ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible, '86-'98 9000) * 6 = 3-spd. automatic ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible) * 6 = 6-spd. manual ('03-'07 9-3) * 8 = 4-spd. automatic ('94-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3, '03 9-3 convertible, '86-'98 9000, '99-'01 9-5) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic ('02-'07 9-5) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic ('06-'07 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 2 = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 5 = 5-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-5) * 6 = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-3) * 7 = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 2.0T FWD, '08-'09 9-5) * A = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('11 9-5) * B = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('10-'11 9-3, '10-'11 9-5) * C = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('10-'11 9-3) * M = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('10-'11 9-3, '11 9-5) * N = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('10-'11 9-3) ===Position 8, Engine=== *A = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235L I4 ('04-'05 9-5 Arc) *E = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235E Light-pressure turbo I4 <br> ('99 9-5 2.3T, '00-'01 9-5 2.3T Base model, '00 9-5 Gary Fisher Edition wagon, '02-'05 9-5 Linear) *G = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235R high output I4 ('99-'02 9-3 Viggen, '00-'05 9-5 Aero, '06-'09 9-5) *H = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205L std. output I4 ('00-'01 9-3 base model) *J = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab A28NER V6 (RPO code: LAU) ('10-'11 9-5) *K = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205R high output I4 ('00-'02 9-3 SE 5-d, '00-'03 9-3 SE convertible) *N = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B204L std. output I4 ('99 9-3 base model, SE w/auto. trans., Early '99 9-3 SE w/man. trans.) *P = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B204R high output I4 (Mid '99 9-3 SE w/man. trans.) *R = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284R high output V6 <br> ('08-'09 9-3 Aero XWD 4-d/wagon, '08 9-3 Turbo X XWD 4-d/wagon, '09 9-3 Aero FWD convertible) *R = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] Gas/E85 Flex-Fuel (Biopower) DOHC 16-valve Direct injection GM Ecotec Gen II Saab A20NFT I4 (RPO code: LHU) ('11 9-5) *S = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207L Light-pressure turbo I4 ('03-'05 9-3 Linear) *U = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284L V6 ('06-'08 9-3 Aero FWD) *Y = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207R high output I4 ('03 9-3 Arc, Vector, '04-'05 9-3 Arc, Aero, '06-'11 9-3 2.0T) *Z = 3.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM/Opel 54° V6 Saab B308E ('99 9-5 V6, '00-'01 9-5 SE, '02-'03 9-5 Arc) ===Position 9, Check Digit=== [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Check digit |Check digit]] ===Position 10, Model Year: === [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Model year|Model year]] ===Position 11, Production Plant:=== * 1: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 1: '81-'85 900, Line A: '86-'98 9000, '03-'11 9-3) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 2: '81-'85 900, Line B: '86-'98 900, '88-'91 9000) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line A: '99-'02 9-3) * 3: Arlov, Sweden ('85-'90 900) * 3: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line B: '99-'09 9-5) * 4: Trollhattan, Sweden ('10-'11 9-5) * 5: Malmo, Sweden ('90-'91 900) * 6: Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr plant: '04-'10 9-3 convertible) * 7: Uusikaupunki, Finland (Valmet plant - '85-'98 900, '99-'03 9-3) * 9: Trollhattan, Sweden (Prototype Line) '''Positions 12–17, Serial Number''' {{BookCat}} 9c2goomiyhcxpkb17hw0dmm3tmw2j2n 4653537 4653534 2026-07-10T20:44:45Z JustTheFacts33 3434282 /* Position 11, Production Plant: */ 4653537 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Warning}}{{clear}} ===Positions 1–3, World Manufacturer Identifier:=== * YS3 - Saab passenger car * YK1 - Saab passenger car made by Valmet in Finland ('81-'83) * JF4 - Saab passenger car made by Subaru in Japan ('05-'06 9-2X) * 3G0 - Saab MPV made by GM in Mexico ('11 9-4X) * 5S3 - Saab MPV made by GM in US ('05-'09 9-7X) ===Positions 4, Model Line:=== * A = 900 (1st gen. - '81-'93, '94 convertible) * C = 9000 ('86-'98) * D = 900 (2nd gen. - '94-'98 3-d/5-d, '95-'98 convertible) * D = 9-3 (1st gen. - '99-'02, '03 convertible) * E = 9-5 (1st gen. - '99-'09) * F = 9-3 (2nd gen. - '03-'11 4-d, '04-'11 convertible, '06-'11 wagon) * G = 9-5 (2nd gen. - '10-'11) ===Positions 6, Body Style:=== * 2 = 2-dr. sedan ('85-'86 900) * 3 = 3-dr. hatchback ('81-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3) * 4 = 4-dr. sedan ('81-'93 900, '03-'11 9-3, '89-'95 9000, '99-'11 9-5) * 5 = 5-dr. hatchback ('94-'98 900, '86-'92 9000) * 5 = 5-dr. wagon ('99-'09 9-5 wagon/SportCombi, '06-'11 9-3 SportCombi) * 6 = 5-dr. hatchback ('93-'98 9000) * 7 = 2-dr. convertible ('86-'98 900, '99-'11 9-3) ===Positions 7, Transmission: ('84+)=== * 5 = 5-spd. manual ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible, '86-'98 9000) * 6 = 3-spd. automatic ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible) * 6 = 6-spd. manual ('03-'07 9-3) * 8 = 4-spd. automatic ('94-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3, '03 9-3 convertible, '86-'98 9000, '99-'01 9-5) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic ('02-'07 9-5) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic ('06-'07 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 2 = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 5 = 5-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-5) * 6 = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-3) * 7 = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 2.0T FWD, '08-'09 9-5) * A = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('11 9-5) * B = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('10-'11 9-3, '10-'11 9-5) * C = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('10-'11 9-3) * M = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('10-'11 9-3, '11 9-5) * N = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('10-'11 9-3) ===Position 8, Engine=== *A = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235L I4 ('04-'05 9-5 Arc) *E = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235E Light-pressure turbo I4 <br> ('99 9-5 2.3T, '00-'01 9-5 2.3T Base model, '00 9-5 Gary Fisher Edition wagon, '02-'05 9-5 Linear) *G = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235R high output I4 ('99-'02 9-3 Viggen, '00-'05 9-5 Aero, '06-'09 9-5) *H = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205L std. output I4 ('00-'01 9-3 base model) *J = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab A28NER V6 (RPO code: LAU) ('10-'11 9-5) *K = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205R high output I4 ('00-'02 9-3 SE 5-d, '00-'03 9-3 SE convertible) *N = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B204L std. output I4 ('99 9-3 base model, SE w/auto. trans., Early '99 9-3 SE w/man. trans.) *P = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B204R high output I4 (Mid '99 9-3 SE w/man. trans.) *R = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284R high output V6 <br> ('08-'09 9-3 Aero XWD 4-d/wagon, '08 9-3 Turbo X XWD 4-d/wagon, '09 9-3 Aero FWD convertible) *R = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] Gas/E85 Flex-Fuel (Biopower) DOHC 16-valve Direct injection GM Ecotec Gen II Saab A20NFT I4 (RPO code: LHU) ('11 9-5) *S = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207L Light-pressure turbo I4 ('03-'05 9-3 Linear) *U = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284L V6 ('06-'08 9-3 Aero FWD) *Y = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207R high output I4 ('03 9-3 Arc, Vector, '04-'05 9-3 Arc, Aero, '06-'11 9-3 2.0T) *Z = 3.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM/Opel 54° V6 Saab B308E ('99 9-5 V6, '00-'01 9-5 SE, '02-'03 9-5 Arc) ===Position 9, Check Digit=== [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Check digit |Check digit]] ===Position 10, Model Year: === [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Model year|Model year]] ===Position 11, Production Plant:=== * 1: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 1: '81-'85 900, Line A: '86-'98 9000, '03-'11 9-3) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 2: '81-'85 900, Line B: '86-'98 900, '88-'91 9000) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line A: '99-'02 9-3) * 3: Arlov, Sweden ('85-'90 900) * 3: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line B: '99-'09 9-5) * 4: Trollhattan, Sweden ('10-'11 9-5) * 5: Malmo, Sweden ('90-'91 900) * 6: Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr plant: '04-'10 9-3 convertible) * 7: Uusikaupunki, Finland (Valmet plant - '85-'98 900, '99-'03 9-3) * 9: Trollhattan, Sweden (Prototype Line) * G: Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan [Subaru plant] ('05-'06 Saab 9-2X w/5-spd. man. trans.) * H: Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan [Subaru plant] ('05-'06 Saab 9-2X w/4-spd. auto. trans.) * S: Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico [GM plant] ('11 9-4X) * 2: Moraine, Ohio, US [GM plant] ('05-'09 9-7X) '''Positions 12–17, Serial Number''' {{BookCat}} ivtl6n1aelo9m72i05pb9iz1zimywjs 4653538 4653537 2026-07-10T20:52:37Z JustTheFacts33 3434282 /* Positions 6, Body Style: */ 4653538 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Warning}}{{clear}} ===Positions 1–3, World Manufacturer Identifier:=== * YS3 - Saab passenger car * YK1 - Saab passenger car made by Valmet in Finland ('81-'83) * JF4 - Saab passenger car made by Subaru in Japan ('05-'06 9-2X) * 3G0 - Saab MPV made by GM in Mexico ('11 9-4X) * 5S3 - Saab MPV made by GM in US ('05-'09 9-7X) ===Positions 4, Model Line:=== * A = 900 (1st gen. - '81-'93, '94 convertible) * C = 9000 ('86-'98) * D = 900 (2nd gen. - '94-'98 3-d/5-d, '95-'98 convertible) * D = 9-3 (1st gen. - '99-'02, '03 convertible) * E = 9-5 (1st gen. - '99-'09) * F = 9-3 (2nd gen. - '03-'11 4-d, '04-'11 convertible, '06-'11 wagon) * G = 9-5 (2nd gen. - '10-'11) ===Positions 6, Body Style:=== * 2 = 2-dr. sedan ('85-'86 900) * 3 = 3-dr. hatchback ('81-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3) * 4 = 4-dr. sedan ('81-'93 900, '03-'11 9-3, '89-'95 9000, '99-'11 9-5) * 5 = 5-dr. hatchback ('94-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3, '86-'92 9000) * 5 = 5-dr. wagon ('99-'09 9-5 wagon/SportCombi, '06-'11 9-3 SportCombi) * 6 = 5-dr. hatchback ('93-'98 9000) * 7 = 2-dr. convertible ('86-'98 900, '99-'11 9-3) ===Positions 7, Transmission: ('84+)=== * 5 = 5-spd. manual ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible, '86-'98 9000) * 6 = 3-spd. automatic ('84-'93 900, '94 900 convertible) * 6 = 6-spd. manual ('03-'07 9-3) * 8 = 4-spd. automatic ('94-'98 900, '99-'02 9-3, '03 9-3 convertible, '86-'98 9000, '99-'01 9-5) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic ('02-'07 9-5) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic ('06-'07 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 1 = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T) * 2 = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 5 = 5-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-5) * 6 = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('08-'09 9-3) * 7 = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('08-'09 9-3 Aero 2.8T, '08 9-3 Turbo X, '09 9-3 2.0T XWD) * 9 = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('08-'09 9-3 2.0T FWD, '08-'09 9-5) * A = 6-spd. automatic, FWD ('11 9-5) * B = 6-spd. automatic, AWD ('10-'11 9-3, '10-'11 9-5) * C = 5-spd. automatic, FWD ('10-'11 9-3) * M = 6-spd. manual, FWD ('10-'11 9-3, '11 9-5) * N = 6-spd. manual, AWD ('10-'11 9-3) ===Position 8, Engine=== *A = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235L I4 ('04-'05 9-5 Arc) *E = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235E Light-pressure turbo I4 <br> ('99 9-5 2.3T, '00-'01 9-5 2.3T Base model, '00 9-5 Gary Fisher Edition wagon, '02-'05 9-5 Linear) *G = 2.3L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B235R high output I4 ('99-'02 9-3 Viggen, '00-'05 9-5 Aero, '06-'09 9-5) *H = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205L std. output I4 ('00-'01 9-3 base model) *J = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab A28NER V6 (RPO code: LAU) ('10-'11 9-5) *K = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B205R high output I4 ('00-'02 9-3 SE 5-d, '00-'03 9-3 SE convertible) *N = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B204L std. output I4 ('99 9-3 base model, SE w/auto. trans., Early '99 9-3 SE w/man. trans.) *P = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve Saab H engine B204R high output I4 (Mid '99 9-3 SE w/man. trans.) *R = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284R high output V6 <br> ('08-'09 9-3 Aero XWD 4-d/wagon, '08 9-3 Turbo X XWD 4-d/wagon, '09 9-3 Aero FWD convertible) *R = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] Gas/E85 Flex-Fuel (Biopower) DOHC 16-valve Direct injection GM Ecotec Gen II Saab A20NFT I4 (RPO code: LHU) ('11 9-5) *S = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207L Light-pressure turbo I4 ('03-'05 9-3 Linear) *U = 2.8L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM High Feature Saab B284L V6 ('06-'08 9-3 Aero FWD) *Y = 2.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 16-valve GM Ecotec Gen I Saab B207R high output I4 ('03 9-3 Arc, Vector, '04-'05 9-3 Arc, Aero, '06-'11 9-3 2.0T) *Z = 3.0L turbo [[w:Intercooler|IC]] DOHC 24-valve GM/Opel 54° V6 Saab B308E ('99 9-5 V6, '00-'01 9-5 SE, '02-'03 9-5 Arc) ===Position 9, Check Digit=== [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Check digit |Check digit]] ===Position 10, Model Year: === [[Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Model year|Model year]] ===Position 11, Production Plant:=== * 1: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 1: '81-'85 900, Line A: '86-'98 9000, '03-'11 9-3) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line 2: '81-'85 900, Line B: '86-'98 900, '88-'91 9000) * 2: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line A: '99-'02 9-3) * 3: Arlov, Sweden ('85-'90 900) * 3: Trollhattan, Sweden (Line B: '99-'09 9-5) * 4: Trollhattan, Sweden ('10-'11 9-5) * 5: Malmo, Sweden ('90-'91 900) * 6: Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr plant: '04-'10 9-3 convertible) * 7: Uusikaupunki, Finland (Valmet plant - '85-'98 900, '99-'03 9-3) * 9: Trollhattan, Sweden (Prototype Line) * G: Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan [Subaru plant] ('05-'06 Saab 9-2X w/5-spd. man. trans.) * H: Ota, Gunma prefecture, Japan [Subaru plant] ('05-'06 Saab 9-2X w/4-spd. auto. trans.) * S: Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico [GM plant] ('11 9-4X) * 2: Moraine, Ohio, US [GM plant] ('05-'09 9-7X) '''Positions 12–17, Serial Number''' {{BookCat}} 52x6x5absoekpfcvacs02z2b1ioejvs User:Gauri Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js 2 484610 4653492 2026-07-10T15:50:54Z Gauri Guptaa 3612563 Created page with "/** * Exercise Answer Hider — auto-wraps plain-text exercise answers * (paragraphs/list-items starting with "Answer:" or "Solution:") in a * native collapsible <details> box, so readers don't see spoilers by * accident. Skips content already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, {{Solution}}) to avoid double-wrapping. * * Save at: en.wikibooks.org/wiki/User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js * Load via common.js: * mw.loader.load('/w/inde..." 4653492 javascript text/javascript /** * Exercise Answer Hider — auto-wraps plain-text exercise answers * (paragraphs/list-items starting with "Answer:" or "Solution:") in a * native collapsible <details> box, so readers don't see spoilers by * accident. Skips content already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, {{Solution}}) to avoid double-wrapping. * * Save at: en.wikibooks.org/wiki/User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js * Load via common.js: * mw.loader.load('/w/index.php?title=User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript'); * * @author [[User:Gauri_Guptaa]] * @license CC0-1.0 */ /* global mw */ ( function () { 'use strict'; if ( mw.config.get( 'wgAction' ) !== 'view' ) { return; } if ( mw.config.get( 'wgNamespaceNumber' ) !== 0 ) { return; } // book/article namespace only var ANSWER_PATTERN = /^(answer|solution|answers|solutions)\s*:/i; mw.util.addCSS( '.eah-details{' + 'border:1px solid #a2a9b1;border-radius:4px;padding:6px 10px;margin:0.6em 0;' + 'background:var(--background-color-interactive,#f8f9fa);' + '}' + '.eah-details summary{' + 'cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#3366cc;list-style:none;' + '}' + '.eah-details summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}' + '.eah-details summary::before{content:"▶ ";display:inline-block;transition:transform .15s ease;}' + '.eah-details[open] summary::before{transform:rotate(90deg);}' + '.eah-details .eah-body{margin-top:6px;padding-top:6px;border-top:1px solid #eaecf0;}' ); /** * Is this element already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, mw-collapsible, or our own wrapper)? */ function isAlreadyCollapsible( $el ) { return $el.closest( '.mw-collapsible, .eah-details, details' ).length > 0; } function wrapAsCollapsible( $el ) { var fullText = $el.text(); var match = fullText.match( ANSWER_PATTERN ); var label = match ? match[ 1 ] : 'Answer'; // Capitalize first letter for the summary label. label = label.charAt( 0 ).toUpperCase() + label.slice( 1 ).toLowerCase(); var $details = $( '<details class="eah-details">' ); var $summary = $( '<summary>' ).text( 'Show ' + label.toLowerCase() ); var $body = $( '<div class="eah-body">' ); $el.before( $details ); $body.append( $el ); // move the original element inside $details.append( $summary, $body ); } function init() { // Candidates: paragraphs and list items whose text starts with the pattern. $( '#mw-content-text p, #mw-content-text li' ).each( function () { var $el = $( this ); var text = $el.text().trim(); if ( !ANSWER_PATTERN.test( text ) ) { return; } if ( isAlreadyCollapsible( $el ) ) { return; } // don't double-wrap manual templates wrapAsCollapsible( $el ); } ); } mw.loader.using( [ 'mediawiki.util' ] ).then( function () { $( init ); } ); }() ); jgeooipckf7vwvj18ys3lzhu5hz8rnv 4653494 4653492 2026-07-10T15:52:21Z Gauri Guptaa 3612563 4653494 javascript text/javascript /** * Exercise Answer Hider — auto-wraps plain-text exercise answers * (paragraphs/list-items starting with "Answer:" or "Solution:") in a * native collapsible <details> box, so readers don't see spoilers by * accident. Skips content already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, {{Solution}}) to avoid double-wrapping. * * Save at: en.wikibooks.org/wiki/User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js * Load via common.js: * mw.loader.load('/w/index.php?title=User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript'); * * @author [[User:Gauri_Guptaa]] * @license CC0-1.0 */ /* global mw */ ( function () { 'use strict'; if ( mw.config.get( 'wgAction' ) !== 'view' ) { return; } // if ( mw.config.get( 'wgNamespaceNumber' ) !== 0 ) { return; } // book/article namespace only var ANSWER_PATTERN = /^(answer|solution|answers|solutions)\s*:/i; mw.util.addCSS( '.eah-details{' + 'border:1px solid #a2a9b1;border-radius:4px;padding:6px 10px;margin:0.6em 0;' + 'background:var(--background-color-interactive,#f8f9fa);' + '}' + '.eah-details summary{' + 'cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#3366cc;list-style:none;' + '}' + '.eah-details summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}' + '.eah-details summary::before{content:"▶ ";display:inline-block;transition:transform .15s ease;}' + '.eah-details[open] summary::before{transform:rotate(90deg);}' + '.eah-details .eah-body{margin-top:6px;padding-top:6px;border-top:1px solid #eaecf0;}' ); /** * Is this element already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, mw-collapsible, or our own wrapper)? */ function isAlreadyCollapsible( $el ) { return $el.closest( '.mw-collapsible, .eah-details, details' ).length > 0; } function wrapAsCollapsible( $el ) { var fullText = $el.text(); var match = fullText.match( ANSWER_PATTERN ); var label = match ? match[ 1 ] : 'Answer'; // Capitalize first letter for the summary label. label = label.charAt( 0 ).toUpperCase() + label.slice( 1 ).toLowerCase(); var $details = $( '<details class="eah-details">' ); var $summary = $( '<summary>' ).text( 'Show ' + label.toLowerCase() ); var $body = $( '<div class="eah-body">' ); $el.before( $details ); $body.append( $el ); // move the original element inside $details.append( $summary, $body ); } function init() { // Candidates: paragraphs and list items whose text starts with the pattern. $( '#mw-content-text p, #mw-content-text li' ).each( function () { var $el = $( this ); var text = $el.text().trim(); if ( !ANSWER_PATTERN.test( text ) ) { return; } if ( isAlreadyCollapsible( $el ) ) { return; } // don't double-wrap manual templates wrapAsCollapsible( $el ); } ); } mw.loader.using( [ 'mediawiki.util' ] ).then( function () { $( init ); } ); }() ); h1wek0f03s242bif4sjkltp1iqnuixp 4653495 4653494 2026-07-10T15:52:52Z Gauri Guptaa 3612563 4653495 javascript text/javascript /** * Exercise Answer Hider — auto-wraps plain-text exercise answers * (paragraphs/list-items starting with "Answer:" or "Solution:") in a * native collapsible <details> box, so readers don't see spoilers by * accident. Skips content already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, {{Solution}}) to avoid double-wrapping. * * Save at: en.wikibooks.org/wiki/User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js * Load via common.js: * mw.loader.load('/w/index.php?title=User:Gauri_Guptaa/exerciseAnswerHider.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript'); * * @author [[User:Gauri_Guptaa]] * @license CC0-1.0 */ /* global mw */ ( function () { 'use strict'; if ( mw.config.get( 'wgAction' ) !== 'view' ) { return; } if ( mw.config.get( 'wgNamespaceNumber' ) !== 0 ) { return; } // book/article namespace only var ANSWER_PATTERN = /^(answer|solution|answers|solutions)\s*:/i; mw.util.addCSS( '.eah-details{' + 'border:1px solid #a2a9b1;border-radius:4px;padding:6px 10px;margin:0.6em 0;' + 'background:var(--background-color-interactive,#f8f9fa);' + '}' + '.eah-details summary{' + 'cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#3366cc;list-style:none;' + '}' + '.eah-details summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}' + '.eah-details summary::before{content:"▶ ";display:inline-block;transition:transform .15s ease;}' + '.eah-details[open] summary::before{transform:rotate(90deg);}' + '.eah-details .eah-body{margin-top:6px;padding-top:6px;border-top:1px solid #eaecf0;}' ); /** * Is this element already inside a manual collapsible template * (e.g. {{Hidden}}, mw-collapsible, or our own wrapper)? */ function isAlreadyCollapsible( $el ) { return $el.closest( '.mw-collapsible, .eah-details, details' ).length > 0; } function wrapAsCollapsible( $el ) { var fullText = $el.text(); var match = fullText.match( ANSWER_PATTERN ); var label = match ? match[ 1 ] : 'Answer'; // Capitalize first letter for the summary label. label = label.charAt( 0 ).toUpperCase() + label.slice( 1 ).toLowerCase(); var $details = $( '<details class="eah-details">' ); var $summary = $( '<summary>' ).text( 'Show ' + label.toLowerCase() ); var $body = $( '<div class="eah-body">' ); $el.before( $details ); $body.append( $el ); // move the original element inside $details.append( $summary, $body ); } function init() { // Candidates: paragraphs and list items whose text starts with the pattern. $( '#mw-content-text p, #mw-content-text li' ).each( function () { var $el = $( this ); var text = $el.text().trim(); if ( !ANSWER_PATTERN.test( text ) ) { return; } if ( isAlreadyCollapsible( $el ) ) { return; } // don't double-wrap manual templates wrapAsCollapsible( $el ); } ); } mw.loader.using( [ 'mediawiki.util' ] ).then( function () { $( init ); } ); }() ); jgeooipckf7vwvj18ys3lzhu5hz8rnv User:Gauri Guptaa/TestPage 2 484611 4653493 2026-07-10T15:52:02Z Gauri Guptaa 3612563 Created page with "What is 2+2?    Answer: 4" 4653493 wikitext text/x-wiki What is 2+2?    Answer: 4 azbpkqbwqkvkb71fmd0abc59mjjtzdk Earthinators 0 484618 4653533 2026-07-10T20:04:56Z Earthinators 3613386 Created page with "= Earthinators = <center>''A youth‑led, community‑driven open movement for environmental action and climate resilience.''</center> == Introduction == Earthinators is a global, youth‑led movement founded in 2020 in Devbhoomi (Uttarakhand, India). It combines citizen science, open data, education, and direct action to build climate resilience in every nation. This book explains the movement’s philosophy, its open‑access resources, and how you can participate...." 4653533 wikitext text/x-wiki = Earthinators = <center>''A youth‑led, community‑driven open movement for environmental action and climate resilience.''</center> == Introduction == Earthinators is a global, youth‑led movement founded in 2020 in Devbhoomi (Uttarakhand, India). It combines citizen science, open data, education, and direct action to build climate resilience in every nation. This book explains the movement’s philosophy, its open‑access resources, and how you can participate. == How This Book Is Organised == The chapters below are written by volunteers and can be edited by anyone. If you’d like to contribute, please read the [[Wikibooks:Welcome|Wikibooks guide]] first. == Table of Contents == # [[/Our Story – The Birth of Earthinators/]] # [[/Heat, Light, Love – The Core Philosophy/]] # [[/SOS: Revive Earth – The Global Environmental Data Platform/]] # [[/The Earthinators Climate School/]] # [[/EarthNOW – Real‑time Climate Intelligence/]] # [[/Earthinators Play – Comics and Games for Sustainability/]] # [[/The SOS Protocol: Sound, Share, Start/]] # [[/The Green Plan and Local Projects/]] # [[/How to Start or Join a Country Chapter/]] # [[/Templates, Tools, and Resources for Action/]] == Open Educational Resources == Earthinators offers several free, open‑source learning tools that are described in this book. These include the Earthinators Climate School, the SOS: Revive Earth platform, EarthNOW news dashboard, and Earthinators Play comics and games. == Published Children’s Book == '''Rasika's Green Adventures''' is a beautifully illustrated children’s educational book series published by Earthinators. It introduces young readers (ages 6–10) to climate change, forests, oceans, wildlife, renewable energy, and recycling through stories, activities, and easy‑to‑understand science. You can find it on Google Books by searching for "Rasika's Green Adventures". == External Links == * Earthinators wiki: earthinators.miraheze.org * Wikidata: [[wikidata:Q103824308|Earthinators (Q103824308)]] * Official site: sites.google.com/view/earthinators == License == This book is released under the Creative Commons Attribution‑ShareAlike 4.0 International license (CC‑BY‑SA 4.0). You are free to share and adapt it for any purpose, as long as you give appropriate credit and share alike. [[Category:Climate change]] [[Category:Environmental education]] [[Category:Open educational resources]] [[Category:Earthinators]] 7cylxis7nzls1idt5fj2fruhz1hgz9u 4653712 4653533 2026-07-10T23:21:27Z Omphalographer 3427146 preemptive rfd 4653712 wikitext text/x-wiki {{rfd}} = Earthinators = <center>''A youth‑led, community‑driven open movement for environmental action and climate resilience.''</center> == Introduction == Earthinators is a global, youth‑led movement founded in 2020 in Devbhoomi (Uttarakhand, India). It combines citizen science, open data, education, and direct action to build climate resilience in every nation. This book explains the movement’s philosophy, its open‑access resources, and how you can participate. == How This Book Is Organised == The chapters below are written by volunteers and can be edited by anyone. If you’d like to contribute, please read the [[Wikibooks:Welcome|Wikibooks guide]] first. == Table of Contents == # [[/Our Story – The Birth of Earthinators/]] # [[/Heat, Light, Love – The Core Philosophy/]] # [[/SOS: Revive Earth – The Global Environmental Data Platform/]] # [[/The Earthinators Climate School/]] # [[/EarthNOW – Real‑time Climate Intelligence/]] # [[/Earthinators Play – Comics and Games for Sustainability/]] # [[/The SOS Protocol: Sound, Share, Start/]] # [[/The Green Plan and Local Projects/]] # [[/How to Start or Join a Country Chapter/]] # [[/Templates, Tools, and Resources for Action/]] == Open Educational Resources == Earthinators offers several free, open‑source learning tools that are described in this book. These include the Earthinators Climate School, the SOS: Revive Earth platform, EarthNOW news dashboard, and Earthinators Play comics and games. == Published Children’s Book == '''Rasika's Green Adventures''' is a beautifully illustrated children’s educational book series published by Earthinators. It introduces young readers (ages 6–10) to climate change, forests, oceans, wildlife, renewable energy, and recycling through stories, activities, and easy‑to‑understand science. You can find it on Google Books by searching for "Rasika's Green Adventures". == External Links == * Earthinators wiki: earthinators.miraheze.org * Wikidata: [[wikidata:Q103824308|Earthinators (Q103824308)]] * Official site: sites.google.com/view/earthinators == License == This book is released under the Creative Commons Attribution‑ShareAlike 4.0 International license (CC‑BY‑SA 4.0). You are free to share and adapt it for any purpose, as long as you give appropriate credit and share alike. [[Category:Climate change]] [[Category:Environmental education]] [[Category:Open educational resources]] [[Category:Earthinators]] tnn36gqpdg6jirli7mzrqurbrlq14tz English in Use/Agreement 0 484619 4653543 2025-11-07T12:18:54Z Jumijomi 3613414 A new article 4653543 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun. <ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{stub}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each / many a/an / one |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1?q=amount |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of / a great deal of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1?q=all |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Expressions that can be singular or plural == === Calculations === {{stub}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{stub}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1?q=neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}.</ref> === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{stub}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{stub}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used.<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] a70qh9nvv9dxq6ebj9jqcu77h1fgv4l 4653544 4653543 2025-11-07T12:24:46Z Jumijomi 3613414 Full stops at the right place 4653544 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun. <ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{stub}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each / many a/an / one |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1?q=amount |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of / a great deal of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1?q=all |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Expressions that can be singular or plural == === Calculations === {{stub}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{stub}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1?q=neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}.</ref> === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{stub}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{stub}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] oz9ijpgyf81avizq89gvy92j7slsb47 4653545 4653544 2025-11-07T12:53:17Z Jumijomi 3613414 A few more full periods in the right place 4653545 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{stub}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each / many a/an / one |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1?q=amount |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of / a great deal of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1?q=all |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Expressions that can be singular or plural == === Calculations === {{stub}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{stub}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1?q=neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{stub}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{stub}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] el0wb0jlfnti6e99ir0wr7fpvbrx9eq 4653546 4653545 2025-11-07T13:22:37Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Singular or plural expressions */Better title 4653546 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{stub}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each / many a/an / one |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1?q=amount |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of / a great deal of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1?q=all |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{stub}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{stub}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1?q=neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{stub}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{stub}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] kr6opweig6mgrq99kpy55zvs7ym6tdm 4653547 4653546 2025-11-07T13:23:59Z Waacstats 1176884 –{{Stub}}, –{{Stub}}, –{{Stub}}, –{{Stub}}, –{{Stub}} using [[User:SD0001/StubSorter|StubSorter]] 4653547 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each / many a/an / one |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1?q=amount |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of / a great deal of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1?q=all |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1?q=neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] l7jtrsmw3sdgbvhy3molvsj4yug3fxy 4653548 4653547 2025-11-07T16:57:17Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */ Extension 4653548 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1?q=amount |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1?q=all |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1?q=neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] hzcutkelml1rphyvawb4tecep3f1hdf 4653549 4653548 2025-11-07T16:58:22Z Jumijomi 3613414 Useless 4653549 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] f1b6n3lyawe96iof091y9yq96w7bj8w 4653550 4653549 2025-11-07T17:00:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Each of */ The right place 4653550 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 3iu257uhfaus7ykdg2jor03t2cubgyp 4653551 4653550 2025-11-07T17:05:30Z Jonesey95 1032706 Fix [[Special:LintErrors|Linter]] errors. 4653551 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] byhtd6sydg3oqafr0vw7du8ycvt9rl2 4653552 4653551 2025-11-07T17:24:16Z Jumijomi 3613414 -duplicated sources 4653552 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, valuables) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] tdpr8ahsfy7yfj13dhflpcffj5bstd7 4653553 4653552 2025-11-07T17:53:16Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */Nouns only in plural aren't usually used with numbers 4653553 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] d4d8kcj2qhe041adjg9zgjlfak8942b 4653554 4653553 2025-11-07T17:53:49Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */Clearer 4653554 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|Agreement in the English language}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] or1moel9wrq0gbiam9iu8xhwxnhjbjd 4653555 4653554 2025-11-08T16:35:55Z Belbury 3185313 [[WP:SDNONE]] 4653555 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') — the way a word (marked <u>underlined</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] km5hopxnknxk9u9fhz5sazvs10wnuhx 4653556 4653555 2025-11-08T18:51:00Z LucasBrown 331786 4653556 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] lkjon1nwrfro2wf3jz22mqyn0z2wmki 4653557 4653556 2025-11-09T06:34:05Z Jumijomi 3613414 I wrote this article using British English 4653557 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None === ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] buzgas2fmouw95amkaxhpyqf5lnyceg 4653558 4653557 2025-11-09T07:29:47Z Jumijomi 3613414 A few more things to do, - useless spaces, examples of prepositional or adverbial phrase from the [[Agreement_(linguistics)]] article 4653558 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{stub}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{stub}} === Clauses === {{stub}} === Quotes === {{stub}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === === ''What''/''Who'' questions === === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{stub}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 5chslbaniqu3glqx1dhyvhk86em11gq 4653559 4653558 2025-11-09T07:40:09Z Jumijomi 3613414 stub > expand section 4653559 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 8ponmnpret2p8u61f704zv9namssw62 4653560 4653559 2025-11-13T11:33:52Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */One more determiner 4653560 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb)<ref name=":3" />. A singular subject takes a singular verb<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" />. * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[Relative clause|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />. * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400-402}}</ref>. * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement<ref name=":3" />. A singular complement takes a singular verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb<ref name=":0" />. * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" />. * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>. * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" />. * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" />. * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals<ref name=":15" />. * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''<ref name=":15" />. * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles<ref name=":15" />. * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''<ref name=":15" />. * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage<ref name=":15" />. * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural<ref name=":0" />. * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref>. * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb<ref name=":2" />. * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" />. * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns<ref name=":5" />. * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal)<ref name=":7" />. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref>. * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref name=":6" />. * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref>. * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239-240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb)<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref>. * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />. * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal)<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" />. === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref>. === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref>. * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular<ref name=":2" />. * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref>. * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref>. * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular<ref name=":11" />. * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref>. * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref>. * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" />. * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" />. * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" />. * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref>. * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref>. Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" />. * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used<ref name=":1" />. * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs<ref name=":1" />. * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 5awu40n0ixvikjev025jy6fqlmweo8d 4653561 4653560 2025-11-14T14:15:02Z BunnysBot 3613415 Fix [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Check Wikipedia/List of errors|CW Errors]] with [[WP:GenFixes|GenFixes]] ([[User:BunnysBot/T1|T1]]) 4653561 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === ''... and ...'' === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=81}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=592 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. However, when two nouns are so commonly used together that they are viewed as a single idea, a singular verb is used.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> formed to address the housing crisis''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":31" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. Singular or plural pronouns may be used.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' has made <u>its/their</u> decisions''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 928mevhb9scapvv9tr4719kknz82s2q 4653562 4653561 2025-11-18T12:09:20Z Jumijomi 3613414 Minor improvements, American English throughout the article, a few examples from the Wikipedia article "Agreement_(linguistics)" 4653562 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === ''... and ...'' === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' * '''''The new bed and breakfast''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] df9v86dziusz1qsqsbsen79tj6meqo6 4653563 4653562 2025-11-18T12:31:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 less British 4653563 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === ''... and ...'' === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] mswnsc9w5q7ffroec11xdy85sv19ls1 4653564 4653563 2025-11-18T12:51:38Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653564 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== ''The number of'' vs ''A number of'' ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === ''More than one ...'' === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === ''What''/''Who'' questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody/Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === ''Every'' === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === ''Every one of'' === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === ''Each'' === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === ''Each of'' === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of ... === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === ''One in..., one out of ...'' === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === ''... and ...'' === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) ... or ..., (neither) ... nor ..., not only ... but also ... === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] ff39smm3fd9x0y0lc3640d8vanzplvy 4653565 4653564 2025-11-18T23:42:00Z Jumijomi 3613414 Deleted '' and ... from headings. If they're required, please let me know. +Another thing to do 4653565 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Type(s)/Kind(s)/Sort(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] rk5vfv5rtptk24zytf0nnfmyfrvo9r6 4653566 4653565 2025-11-19T12:53:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 extension 4653566 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a countable noun in the singular or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a countable noun in the plural or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 03anlybysmje585105vp1fz641lvqit 4653567 4653566 2025-11-19T13:01:06Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ 4653567 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] ha45v7p2x70lk2wh0qh52gthbv2pgol 4653568 4653567 2025-11-19T13:05:20Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ 4653568 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] f7hhpqm7m6z2o13f6vpak3d5x8fnw9b 4653569 4653568 2025-11-19T13:12:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ 4653569 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 08q0xdhai4xy4pi4atly2fyqpexmeol 4653570 4653569 2025-11-20T00:00:19Z Jumijomi 3613414 More American 4653570 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Parentheses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[Bed and breakfast|bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] pdurwe7tvwcd0itiilgkbm4qajjeqiu 4653571 4653570 2025-11-21T17:16:25Z Aadirulez8 2218607 v2.05 - Autofix / Fix errors for [[WP:WCW|CW project]] (Link equal to linktext) 4653571 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo’s main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo’s main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Parentheses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don’t you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He’s '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] mgr0f8p3w5xxi97rh3l17kpfxdz7o6h 4653572 4653571 2025-11-21T17:57:54Z Aadirulez8 2218607 v2.05 - Fix errors for [[WP:WCW|CW project]] (Spelling and typography) 4653572 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Parentheses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] ikz5qrimrovq8r0r776ttg1yjqi1kdd 4653573 4653572 2025-11-21T19:55:06Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Compound subjects */More American 4653573 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Parentheses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] cb6qsvltdntmeid9v317lujetgs20k9 4653574 4653573 2025-11-24T14:33:39Z Jumijomi 3613414 Extension and British English in the end 4653574 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets/ |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref> * '''''This mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] nc7wds8m99q1jclsoom0aygs7l682kw 4653575 4653574 2025-11-24T14:44:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Brackets */ 4653575 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 4keruc4rkwi34egep2lsbsyrt16hb6n 4653576 4653575 2025-11-25T07:48:23Z JustARandomSquid 3526676 Added textbook maintenance tag 4653576 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called ''concord'') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] j6b9tv7h2ujhhv1wzpe3n3npfdt87uj 4653577 4653576 2025-11-25T07:55:38Z JustARandomSquid 3526676 Added second boldlink 4653577 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', use a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions we use a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Use a singular verb if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. Use a plural verb if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] o6upookdjpssmtnifnxri948g8ifawn 4653578 4653577 2025-11-25T08:10:23Z Jumijomi 3613414 Trying to make it less like a textbook 4653578 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Clauses === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Countries === Country names that are plural take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions English uses a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === and === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (either) or, (neither) nor, not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] rq6d3fnf9yct6wqdkyteebwnkgku68q 4653579 4653578 2025-12-10T20:06:57Z Jumijomi 3613414 Extension 4653579 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles refering to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":33">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions English uses a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] adira9l4p2ths9611pr56xv55j0adxi 4653580 4653579 2025-12-10T20:15:11Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Singular expressions */ 4653580 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles refering to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":33">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions English uses a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] oio6jrpvxqimbibi6zneqzfsuhdzn6f 4653581 4653580 2025-12-10T21:08:22Z Arjayay 1164015 Refering > Referring 4653581 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' == Complement–verb agreement == {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Noun–pronoun agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} == Singular expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":33">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''someone, somebody, something, somewhere, anyone, anybody, anything, anywhere, everyone, everybody, everything, everywhere, no one, nobody, nothing'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. == Plural expressions == === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Singular or plural expressions == === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === Any, None === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} ''None'' takes a singular verb when it refers to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when it refers to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === One in, One out of === After these expressions English uses a number, a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten''' <u>students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] a5a52qcymkez3npnp6vdzmoedqe7sdi 4653582 4653581 2025-12-12T16:19:43Z Jumijomi 3613414 Extension 4653582 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":33">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] r2w0ifl61eskgl486h7s6uwf4u44df8 4653583 4653582 2025-12-12T17:56:24Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Indefinite pronouns */ 4653583 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":33">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The + adjective === The ''the + adjective'' construction is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions ''the + adjective'' may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. ''The + adjective'' is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] eqapjyanz6p1ytd7uf8k5dy2fqti2cy 4653584 4653583 2025-12-12T18:28:44Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* The + adjective */ 4653584 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":33">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] d8ktwg3yny4vj6qau1lhk489xyst3k3 4653585 4653584 2025-12-12T18:42:20Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653585 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around '''1.25''' <u>hours</u>''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] a6l70x2eij5xpntxk8ha6fp72gtkb7s 4653586 4653585 2025-12-12T18:51:53Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */Nouns and pronouns in bold 4653586 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 4m017t4c8baaqpzdvn93n0s19oxiqsr 4653587 4653586 2025-12-12T19:00:50Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* More than one */ 4653587 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's (or Where are)</u> '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 5ecmzerq6q73feg1vqbl00jgibi6dqu 4653588 4653587 2025-12-12T19:01:51Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Here's, there's, where's */ 4653588 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where's</u> (or <u>Where are</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] ptnqffdwsu1i480x6s9qxswlhd2insq 4653589 4653588 2025-12-12T19:02:23Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Here's, there's, where's */ 4653589 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station '''every''' <u>three hours</u>''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] gjbqdzppxbazjip6k04qm0roleeekpm 4653590 4653589 2025-12-12T19:03:38Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Every */ 4653590 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] schpphhl9xytj7jjp2ofwy1fb7loc93 4653591 4653590 2025-12-12T19:04:06Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Every one of */ 4653591 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 7wkld6qc2s76r9lxkl8fgk9rtq0o7kg 4653592 4653591 2025-12-12T19:04:36Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Each */ 4653592 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] sxds5i1cclvfp234zmus1ej3s08qfre 4653593 4653592 2025-12-12T19:05:09Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Each of */ 4653593 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' the students <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 040m08f716c3ygg7p2kiwe33335ytn9 4653595 4653593 2025-12-12T19:05:37Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* None of */ 4653595 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of''' <u>the apples</u> is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite '''one of''' <u>the team</u> for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] ev6p6upr4wag9s61xshl0jwuvcqrlhy 4653596 4653595 2025-12-12T19:07:38Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* One of */ 4653596 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>was</u> working as a security guard when <u>he</u> died''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Italian''' <u>are</u> renowned for their cuisine.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] q2493ebdpmdem19f271gui05fg16jl4 4653597 4653596 2025-12-12T19:16:51Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* The */ 4653597 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in''' <u>ten students</u> <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 93t21hmtzybv5fwgfaxkapxy3c1jiy5 4653598 4653597 2025-12-12T19:17:18Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' */ 4653598 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences of this decision'''. '' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] os2ftfg9vodp28ubw2micqf3ql1brrb 4653599 4653598 2025-12-12T19:19:14Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Complement–verb agreement */ 4653599 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → this cat * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → these cats The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] t0h8b1syfy177u4ti6ftdml1dpvesk4 4653600 4653599 2025-12-12T19:21:37Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */ 4653600 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' → <u>this</u> '''cat''' * <u>these</u> '''cats''' → <u>these</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 53wo1ql7cf1kqgvj01igcbheyjd2eu0 4653601 4653600 2025-12-12T19:25:14Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */ 4653601 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' On the other hand, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' is most often combined with a plural countable noun or an uncountable noun. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' In spoken English, the phrases ''these/those kind/sort/type of'' are used, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' An alternative is to use the phrases ''this/that kind/sort/type of'' or ''these/those kinds/sorts/types of''. * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' In formal style, the construction ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] jyg61lic0jee3fo9d5zvusccg1xqix3 4653602 4653601 2025-12-13T08:59:49Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ 4653602 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun. * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' Similarly, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can be used with either singular or plural verb. * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect. * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible. * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 5ufe1sp1pju47vmsjenad6j8px56rxr 4653603 4653602 2025-12-13T09:18:05Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653603 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' Similarly, ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] eodedqe6l3gpdzxblzo0blns9cxlk1o 4653604 4653603 2025-12-13T09:21:47Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ 4653604 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 7kyl2cyiqub2ejh9et3b3ltdq8hhn2u 4653605 4653604 2025-12-13T10:44:02Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ 4653605 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, none, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] a7yi6fwhxto8s7qwrf7s6ccnlr29vrq 4653606 4653605 2025-12-13T13:54:40Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Indefinite pronouns */ 4653606 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/kind |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=sort |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/sort |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=type |url=https://www.thefreedictionary.com/type |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] djknll8bijd9ozrr7851ij1qkcu7wm3 4653607 4653606 2025-12-14T22:38:13Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ a more direct sources instead of repeating the free dictionary 4653607 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts) the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /> * ''A group of '''protesters''''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building''. '' * ''Half of '''the team members''''' <u>are</u> working remotely today''. '' * ''Only a handful of '''students''''' <u>were</u> on time for classes''. '' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''''? === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] j2wqycoh86d60rqekrukbryrsibwesz 4653608 4653607 2025-12-17T14:07:43Z Jumijomi 3613414 Extension + American English eventually 4653608 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants''. A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction''. === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased''. * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise''. === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning''. === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''. '' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly''. A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly''. === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner''. In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway''. Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising''. Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine''. === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions''. * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions''. == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''''. == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips''. === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial''. === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius''. The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful''. * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful''. === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need''. * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price''. * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment''. === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change''. === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''''. === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong''. === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story''. When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room''. === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design''. * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour''. === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet''. === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence''. === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten''. Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch''? The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul''. After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics''. === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known''. The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math''. === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden''. If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe''. * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong''. A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe''. * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong''. === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend''. === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session''. An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving''. ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week''. In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame''. Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session''. In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album''. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] hsmxw4922s98x870u6ev5xn20f48ox7 4653609 4653608 2025-12-17T17:37:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 Minor improvements 4653609 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 7j73g1d8cdqfvje7m6ck3bqnolg6sw9 4653610 4653609 2025-12-17T19:09:53Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */ 4653610 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684-685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 (Fourth edition) |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727}}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] h1ycwz6tr99h9edq666kzdxrov8fj8m 4653611 4653610 2025-12-19T08:50:48Z Citation bot 3276765 Alter: pages, title. Add: title, edition, publisher, date, authors 1-1. Formatted [[WP:ENDASH|dashes]]. | [[:en:WP:UCB|Use this bot]]. [[:en:WP:DBUG|Report bugs]]. | Suggested by Jay8g | #UCB_toolbar 4653611 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only but also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} A singular verb is used if the second expression is singular.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' A plural verb is used if the second expression is plural.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 4i5yidu0a69uosg0ik11lj0tpp8xh9p 4653612 4653611 2025-12-20T22:04:40Z Jumijomi 3613414 Fixing some problems with references, British English throughout the article (sorry for changing it again), improving either ... or ... 4653612 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] iami6hc4qy73j2kf6jimh2n9lmhnai3 4653613 4653612 2025-12-20T22:05:13Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653613 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular stores.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] eiag1lbvryskidcvfavu8a904blgmil 4653614 4653613 2025-12-20T22:06:05Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653614 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] d7w2rdr4n164c2cnsyoinhpmifn9qlp 4653615 4653614 2025-12-20T22:24:22Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' */ + additional example 4653615 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 5kojlj6fpmru0c5ftcasxeurmima9ti 4653616 4653615 2025-12-20T22:29:57Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Clauses */ one new example 4653616 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used. * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] hnoams2fidlx20ekuo98hfpa7m1xksi 4653617 4653616 2025-12-21T15:22:23Z Jumijomi 3613414 Minor improvemnts of references 4653617 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] n9tle2swub9ahy8xsn6uy3o1dsdadrs 4653618 4653617 2025-12-21T18:29:42Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Gender agreement */ 4653618 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === {{Expand section|date=December 2025}} Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/session-1 |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] i0tqabuqlmn906eul415fzj3jgscqtz 4653619 4653618 2025-12-26T22:06:26Z Jumijomi 3613414 Expansion of the 'Amounts and quantities' section, improvement of references 4653619 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] pmec9ud26qxkaclmxkd3fjtqtsowu7r 4653620 4653619 2025-12-26T22:09:42Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion */ British style 4653620 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a prepositional phrase or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 677kymewiezmdrhnd420nsw6zhbkq0a 4653621 4653620 2025-12-26T22:12:09Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Compound subjects */ +link to another wikipedia article 4653621 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or a [[relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] d23ip26cdtox2fl4s7phlgshqa9xbli 4653622 4653621 2025-12-27T20:46:50Z Jumijomi 3613414 A better link 4653622 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] nixt49t2celiq3mfahv15uo8lyykrmh 4653623 4653622 2026-01-02T13:34:46Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Subject after the verb */ extension 4653623 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 60uauxr8dc8nc9hlb705r3049etyrlt 4653624 4653623 2026-01-02T21:49:27Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Subject/complement–verb agreement */ 4653624 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' === Subject after the verb === When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Compound subjects === When the subject is complex (for example contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]]), the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Subjects with prepositional or adverbial phrases === Adding a prepositional or adverbial phrase (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') to the subject does not change its number.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] mrr0k0xdjabw3dkc08v5yn27v6pxs2r 4653625 4653624 2026-01-02T22:28:33Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Subject/complement–verb agreement */ 4653625 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ===== The number of and A number of ===== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of cars''' on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of people''' <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] t57bb2d3qqthx4u74o5lnkfc6f2idc8 4653626 4653625 2026-01-02T22:37:05Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Subject/complement–verb agreement */ 4653626 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] q00ixjb13r5fiyy8r6pttux05hd9bfz 4653627 4653626 2026-01-13T22:49:33Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion */More British 4653627 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a relative clause introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] gak31aap06wgtpns396twl4qzqb1oz5 4653628 4653627 2026-01-14T14:56:37Z Jumijomi 3613414 +link 4653628 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=HUNDRED definition and meaning &#124; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 1vki9zy2w7xe78lg2x8gxtvrseohib8 4653629 4653628 2026-01-14T15:24:29Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion */ The actual title, I think 4653629 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Two-thirds of '''the audience''' <u>was</u> impressed.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 5jbfovfzrm29fgsoxk6ixhq5yfma8q6 4653630 4653629 2026-01-15T15:11:15Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Quantifying expressions */ Perhaps, it's not the best example because 'were' is possible too 4653630 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' * '''''The good and generous''' <u>thinks</u> the whole world is friendly.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] dxfk31e0li3a0xdeh79beahbhanvzpj 4653631 4653630 2026-01-15T15:13:29Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* And */ Perhaps wrong/unnatural - "the good" usually refer to people not just one person 4653631 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] ia8vljnay4mxcg0dlqa2xwe1q3qkzxe 4653632 4653631 2026-01-15T15:24:59Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Special expressions */ to do, https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple, https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1, Collins COBUILD 4653632 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] el9vlh4novfbkawpia6h8rps0yp66uo 4653633 4653632 2026-01-15T15:25:22Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Special expressions */ 4653633 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>is</u> '''an obvious mistake''' in the report.'' * ''There <u>arise</u> '''new difficulties''' every day.'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 1hsmu33lslz2pd0d01qxjzkqww8tx56 4653634 4653633 2026-01-15T15:55:41Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Subject after the verb */ Some of these example are similar to each other, four should be enough 4653634 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''A group of '''protesters''' <u>have</u> gathered outside the government building.'' * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 7z2safz1kqoebqa2k8hhh04h5dy8msj 4653635 4653634 2026-01-15T15:56:44Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Quantifying expressions */ Perhaps not the best example since "A group of protesters has" seems possible in British English 4653635 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''My boyfriends live in different cities, so '''neither of them''' <u>know(s)</u> about the other's existence.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] sobrs4sh25zhrzf53uvapff53kswpo1 4653636 4653635 2026-01-15T16:11:36Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Neither of */ Perhaps a more natural example 4653636 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 6gkrp5b15fpeg69mwgume86kzk7iex1 4653637 4653636 2026-01-15T16:20:11Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Determiner–noun agreement */ e.g. every five minutes 4653637 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] a3bvy83zry8sx4tbl27iinyc68etpfm 4653638 4653637 2026-03-16T09:28:53Z Dieincensor 3613416 E.g 'I am' but 'he is' even if both I and he refer to one male person 4653638 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''It's <u>a kind of</u> '''cheese''' you can't find in regular shops.'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problem''' is difficult.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either singular or plural verb.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political systems'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problems''' are difficult.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] sf3bmvey3nv2ji2wcqicgw5ad1gkzo2 4653639 4653638 2026-03-16T10:05:13Z Dieincensor 3613416 /* Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of */ The rule is now more similar to what can be found in sources and the examples are better 4653639 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''film''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England''. * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] q1lxrbt1jefsc5kpb6i3x2b6km1vegh 4653640 4653639 2026-03-16T10:06:25Z Dieincensor 3613416 /* And */ 4653640 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for classes.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''film''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England.'' * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] m2o6iz3wvjzppm8vi3rcse1cqukioz1 4653641 4653640 2026-03-16T10:14:27Z Dieincensor 3613416 /* Quantifying expressions */ Perhaps more natural in British English? 4653641 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the lesson.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''film''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one factor''' <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England.'' * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] erb245dlseuny6kw43nv7zu9h47yzyb 4653642 4653641 2026-03-16T10:18:44Z Dieincensor 3613416 /* More than one */ 4653642 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=24 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the lesson.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=7 November 2025}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=19 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=14 December 2025}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''film''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=17 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=20 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=26 December 2025}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England.'' * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=7 November 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 8r2pwq0fkoozxyrbem0ymf3fw598sl3 4653643 4653642 2026-03-16T10:30:49Z Dieincensor 3613416 Updated links 4653643 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=December 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and nor <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps towards so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practising'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our mobile phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>wants</u> repairing.'' * '''''The teachers''' at my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the lesson.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorbikes.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the motorway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''film''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''films''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewellery'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' pounds on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Times''' <u>is</u> a British newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty pounds''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two litres''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different colour.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam yet.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /> === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Neither of us''' <u>have/has</u> got the final timetable yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The British''' often <u>talk</u> about the weather.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> maths.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Fish and chips''' <u>is</u> a traditional dish in England.'' * '''''The MD and CEO''' <u>has</u> arrived.'' * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organisations === Organisations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, family, club) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] t3vs67vovgwyc7g67pz4kalhigkrr4l 4653644 4653643 2026-03-27T10:36:14Z Jumijomi 3613414 American English, expanding a few sections, + 'no' section 4653644 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |every |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{sometimes}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any / no |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of her arguments''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Each episode''' of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of the books''' <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of the houses''' <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of the students''' <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of them''' <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of them''' <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of the students''' <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] qtziow2gsv4zi9emtn6x7jw4aly81ju 4653645 4653644 2026-03-27T11:08:14Z Jumijomi 3613414 Changing the table into sections except for every and each because they are discribed below 4653645 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' === A, an, one, either, and neither === After ''a'', ''an'', ''one'', ''either''<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither''<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> a countable singular noun is used. === Many a and many an === After ''many a'' and ''many an'' a countable singular noun and often a singular verb is used.<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Many, quite a few, a good few, a good many, not a few, a number of, few, fewer, fewest, a few, several, these, those, umpteen, and zero, two, three etc. === After ''many'', ''quite a few'', ''a good few'', ''a good many'', ''not a few'', ''a number of'', ''few'', ''fewer''<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''fewest'', ''a few'', ''several''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''these'', ''those'', ''umpteen'', and ''zero'', ''two'', ''three'' etc. a countable plural noun is used. === Much, little, and a little === After ''much'', ''little'', and ''a little'' an uncountable noun is used. === This and that === After ''this'' and ''that'' a countable singular noun or an uncountable noun is used. === Quantity of, enough, a lot of, and lots of === After ''quantity of''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref>, ''enough'', ''a lot of'', and ''lots of'' an uncountable noun or a countable plural noun is used. === Amount of, a good deal of, a great deal of, less, and least === After ''amount of''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''a good deal of''<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref>, ''a great deal of''<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" />, ''less''<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" />, and ''least'' an uncountable noun is normally used. Sometimes a countable plural noun is also used, but this is considered incorrect. === All, some, and any === After ''all'<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref>, ''some'', and ''any'' a countable singular noun, an uncountable noun, and a countable plural noun are all possible. === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] soomieknbm9tyknk4cywwy6dgo8zg0r 4653646 4653645 2026-03-27T11:09:14Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* All, some, and any */ fix 4653646 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' === A, an, one, either, and neither === After ''a'', ''an'', ''one'', ''either''<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither''<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> a countable singular noun is used. === Many a and many an === After ''many a'' and ''many an'' a countable singular noun and often a singular verb is used.<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Many, quite a few, a good few, a good many, not a few, a number of, few, fewer, fewest, a few, several, these, those, umpteen, and zero, two, three etc. === After ''many'', ''quite a few'', ''a good few'', ''a good many'', ''not a few'', ''a number of'', ''few'', ''fewer''<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''fewest'', ''a few'', ''several''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''these'', ''those'', ''umpteen'', and ''zero'', ''two'', ''three'' etc. a countable plural noun is used. === Much, little, and a little === After ''much'', ''little'', and ''a little'' an uncountable noun is used. === This and that === After ''this'' and ''that'' a countable singular noun or an uncountable noun is used. === Quantity of, enough, a lot of, and lots of === After ''quantity of''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref>, ''enough'', ''a lot of'', and ''lots of'' an uncountable noun or a countable plural noun is used. === Amount of, a good deal of, a great deal of, less, and least === After ''amount of''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''a good deal of''<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref>, ''a great deal of''<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" />, ''less''<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" />, and ''least'' an uncountable noun is normally used. Sometimes a countable plural noun is also used, but this is considered incorrect. === All, some, and any === After ''all''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref>, ''some'', and ''any'' a countable singular noun, an uncountable noun, and a countable plural noun are all possible. === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] fysv6y7nr2dpa8czhxhzthrmeb7pnwv 4653647 4653646 2026-03-27T11:15:05Z Jumijomi 3613414 On second thought, it would make more sense to keep the table but perhaps without words that are already described below i.e. no, each, and either 4653647 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] btf0q3ewfofocln8nl0q1mh2o1n6lwi 4653648 4653647 2026-03-27T11:18:39Z Jumijomi 3613414 I meant no, each, and every. +one reference 4653648 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' ==== The number of and A number of ==== The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' === Everybody, Everyone === When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each === ''Each'' is followed by a singular noun and a singular verb.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''They '''each''' <u>have</u> their own room.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] g9cnubxcvewxuk07tm9za100wc75nj9 4653649 4653648 2026-03-27T11:37:59Z Jumijomi 3613414 Perhaps clearer because the first two sections are only about general rules now 4653649 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everybody, Everyone ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'' and ''everybody'', they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] q1u3zms44lee720ultewmk5fh8ru6aj 4653650 4653649 2026-03-27T11:45:45Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653650 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] oiyi0i04dp4g3u7hyuv25i0pim16n51 4653651 4653650 2026-03-27T11:46:31Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Everyone, everybody, and each */ 4653651 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] pbe5jznoe7to9a6kq3zjxe7od39yqt7 4653652 4653651 2026-03-27T11:47:12Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* Here's, there's, where's */ 4653652 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] qkw6t7i1wm8gzm3d8tn7vz5z5ayea64 4653653 4653652 2026-03-27T12:00:06Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* What/Who questions */ Expansion 4653653 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives<u/> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 3ois7ef961osphz6yv6ts94jnb9cdgj 4653654 4653653 2026-03-27T12:02:47Z Jumijomi 3613414 /* What/Who questions */ fix 4653654 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles, Countries, Quotes === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Titles referring to a single thing take singular verbs. Country names take singular verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] n5figq4afwpd52p5jjs8onb9ajo2b0z 4653655 4653654 2026-03-31T13:41:59Z w>~2026-19830-20 0 Expansion 4653655 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, organizations, institutions, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] qdmlawr4ddzq47y3a7srbbkaziq9k4t 4653656 4653655 2026-04-01T11:33:32Z w>~2026-20237-62 0 /* Special expressions */ 4653656 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === {{Expand section|date=March 2026}} The word ''no'' can be followed by either a singular or a plural noun.<ref>{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} When speaking calculations different patterns occur.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === {{Expand section|date=January 2026}} === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === {{Expand section|date=November 2025}} The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] rd8wmr39iz384c3nw46ndsjep5f59zk 4653657 4653656 2026-04-03T17:51:56Z w>~2026-20529-80 0 expansion 4653657 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verb are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verb are possible.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the difference between pair and couple? |url=https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of gloves''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 3hj4ufqermhx0ifo8ti3bh5unbu1694 4653658 4653657 2026-04-03T18:14:28Z Jumijomi 3613414 4653658 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Some other constructions also place or can place the subject after the verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organizations === Organizations names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the difference between pair and couple? |url=https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of gloves''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] n204vcpfjn99vyfb7r76s7cb3n3tusu 4653659 4653658 2026-04-04T16:38:48Z Toomuchcensorship 3613417 Style 4653659 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which commonly precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== When ''here'' or ''there'' appear at the beginning of a sentence, the subject follows the verb.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here <u>is</u> '''your coffee'''.'' * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''There <u>exist</u> '''several species''' of birds in this forest.'' * ''Hurry up, there <u>goes</u> '''our tram'''!'' However, it does not happen when the subject is a pronoun.<ref name=":41" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=294 |edition=4th}}</ref> * ''Here '''it''' <u>is</u>.'' * ''Hurry up, there '''it''' <u>goes</u>!'' Subject–verb inversion also occurs in a range of other constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''So ravishing <u>was</u> '''the fireworks display''' that everyone stopped to watch.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' * ''A: He's dangerous. B: So <u>am</u> '''I'''.'' * ''The company has never acknowledged its responsibility, and neither <u>has</u> '''it''' taken any steps toward so doing.'' * ''She enjoys classical music more than <u>does</u> '''her brother'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> A singular complement takes a singular verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in international competitions, as he explained, <u>was</u> '''money'''. '' A plural complement takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /> * ''The main reason for his success in the international competition, as he explained, <u>were</u> '''the hours spent practicing'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our cell phone''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> runs smoothly on the freeway.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movie''' do you usually watch?'' * ''That's <u>the sort of</u> '''music''' I listen to when I study.'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''movies''' do you usually watch?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' * ''She likes <u>different kinds of</u> '''jewelry'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the difference between pair and couple? |url=https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of gloves''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' * '''''Studying grammar''' <u>is</u> essential for mastering any language.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the houses</u> <u>is/are</u> painted in a different color.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the test.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The president and founder''' of the company <u>has</u> just arrived.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''My friends or '''Tom''' <u>guards</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my classmates or '''my teacher''' <u>is</u> wrong.'' * ''Tom or '''my friends''' <u>guard</u> the safe.'' * ''Either my teacher or '''my classmates''' <u>are</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Is</u> neither '''the manager''' nor the employees aware of the change?'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] t1eev6kjt47de8ztdqqmbf8u9voe9u3 4653660 4653659 2026-04-04T18:40:35Z Toomuchcensorship 3613417 No point in describing Subject-verb inversion here, no dialogues, no more than 3 examples, more neutral examples (neither British nor American) 4653660 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the difference between pair and couple? |url=https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of gloves''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] kjmvvisxl8ya94r2ze56v650fdcegiw 4653661 4653660 2026-04-05T11:23:31Z Dieincensor 3613416 -sources without pages because other sources are available 4653661 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref name=":0" /> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the difference between pair and couple? |url=https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of gloves''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 24149hzuojbvkfhj6qxy9k0cx6anmh8 4653662 4653661 2026-04-05T11:25:09Z Dieincensor 3613416 fix 4653662 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=What is the difference between pair and couple? |url=https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/english-usage/what-is-the-difference-between-pair-and-couple |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of gloves''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] bny2cqflp9dz9ebv5ya7aya0duvy7kp 4653663 4653662 2026-04-05T11:27:40Z Dieincensor 3613416 /* A pair of */ These sources seem to give contradictory info. I'll leave the one that is probably right 4653663 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' An exception is ''family'', which may take singular or plural verbs.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''My family''' <u>is/are</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] 404yg9zqd1p97p8n2g12iqdg9nf3eqp 4653664 4653663 2026-04-05T11:29:57Z Dieincensor 3613416 /* American English */ Other sources say that family isn't an exception 4653664 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).<ref name=":3" /> A singular subject takes a singular verb.<ref name=":14">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=80}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=57-58 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=400–402}}</ref> * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.<ref name=":3" /> * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.<ref name=":4">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=206}}</ref><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /> * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref><ref name=":32">{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=192}}</ref> * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.<ref name=":2">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=204 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=84}}</ref> * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.<ref name=":15">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=513}}</ref><ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.<ref name=":15" /> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.<ref name=":15" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.<ref name=":15" /> * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=257}}</ref> / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28" /> / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=235}}</ref> / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.<ref name=":6">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=237}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.<ref name=":7">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=238}}</ref><ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.<ref name=":46">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023 |isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=92}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=684–685 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.<ref name=":34" /><ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=505 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.<ref name=":5" /> * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":32" /><ref name=":3">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=205}}</ref> * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=507}}</ref> * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.<ref name=":44">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |pages=207 |edition=4th}}</ref><ref name=":45">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=52}}</ref> * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.<ref name=":44" /><ref name=":45" /> * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=John|first1=Eastwood |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |pages=193}}</ref> * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.<ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=170, 180}}</ref> * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=240}}</ref><ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=158}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":38" /> * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.<ref name=":5">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=207}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":22" /> * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.<ref name=":6" /> * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb<ref>{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=239–240}}</ref> (or, in informal style, a plural verb).<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).<ref name=":16">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=172}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":8">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.<ref name=":9">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=243}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=178}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" /><ref name=":22" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.<ref name=":10">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016|isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=246}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite book |author=Martin Hewings |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |date=2023|isbn=9781108920216 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |pages=82}}</ref> * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.<ref name=":2" /> * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.<ref name=":17">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=661}}</ref> * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.<ref name=":2" /> * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.<ref name=":3"/> * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.<ref name=":11">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=279}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name=":33">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=152}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.<ref name=":11" /> * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.<ref name=":12">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=280}}</ref> * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":33" /><ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.<ref name=":13">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=503}}</ref> * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":22" /> * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |author=Michael Swan |title=Practical English Usage |date=2016 |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5 |edition=4th |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |pages=203}}</ref><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":31">{{cite book |author=Raymond Murphy |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |pages=301}}</ref> Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs<ref name=":31" /><ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.<ref name=":1" /> * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:English grammar]] jn1qkadg0qqa5xv1z4cyc99wqxbs2jl 4653665 4653664 2026-04-05T12:10:11Z Dieincensor 3613416 Using sfn 4653665 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}<ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}<ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref>{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=361}}</ref> / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":27">{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=348}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" /><ref name=":27" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |pages=351}}</ref> * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}<ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} [[Category:English grammar]] gkzxp2w6m2y2dbi8kceehbnnizrmtap 4653666 4653665 2026-04-05T12:17:46Z Dieincensor 3613416 more sfn 4653666 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}<ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}<ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref>{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=3 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number/ |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=27 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}<ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=16 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=Mccarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} [[Category:English grammar]] glxljyig63mvdygj79k3tftwhqms1ij 4653667 4653666 2026-04-05T12:30:48Z Dieincensor 3613416 updated links 4653667 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}<ref name=":18">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=36, 42, 49, 51 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}<ref name=":18" /><ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref>{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.<ref name=":20">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=106 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref> * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.<ref name=":20" /> * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name=":20" /> * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=302|isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}<ref name=":19">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=65 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref>{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.<ref name=":21">{{cite book |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |pages=799 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.<ref name=":21" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":21" /><ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=Mccarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} [[Category:English grammar]] jxi01k7jvtmaj339adu2lisqosvueso 4653668 4653667 2026-04-05T12:39:53Z Dieincensor 3613416 More sfn 4653668 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref>{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35">{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=281,282,485,539 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref><ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":35" /> * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=302}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Uk |first1=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |page=727 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth }}</ref> * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=Mccarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} [[Category:English grammar]] phnx1vimxx7igwegrm051otb5anheax 4653669 4653668 2026-04-05T12:45:02Z Dieincensor 3613416 Done with books, sadly I'm not sure what to do with websites 4653669 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |pages=348 |edition=Fourth}}</ref>{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=Mccarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] ip85n080i20zo5z03to1rn57xcuhuna 4653670 4653669 2026-04-05T12:47:49Z Dieincensor 3613416 one more book 4653670 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=Mccarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 3jhzqfh8y2o76akk24yw4dx8f706j5v 4653671 4653670 2026-04-05T16:28:19Z DuncanHill 90733 Fixing [[:Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors|harv/sfn reference errors]]. Please install [[User:Trappist the monk/HarvErrors.js]] and watchlist [[:Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors]] to help you spot such errors when reading and editing. 4653671 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=Mccarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] t7f73viwtbtypkjuitgd300ntgx3v7n 4653672 4653671 2026-04-05T16:29:10Z DuncanHill 90733 Fixing [[:Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors|harv/sfn reference errors]]. Please install [[User:Trappist the monk/HarvErrors.js]] and watchlist [[:Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors]] to help you spot such errors when reading and editing. 4653672 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] knkosta5canq0rex169qsfetzomxgx3 4653673 4653672 2026-04-05T16:30:20Z DuncanHill 90733 Fixing [[:Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors|harv/sfn reference errors]]. Please install [[User:Trappist the monk/HarvErrors.js]] and watchlist [[:Category:Harv and Sfn no-target errors]] to help you spot such errors when reading and editing. 4653673 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] jh9ac0c8exroopn9sw5zxm930qtgyo6 4653674 4653673 2026-04-16T00:28:34Z Mathglot 483023 /* top */ Add {{cleanup}} tag, for inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline. 4653674 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' Countries can be referred to as ''she'', though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] svujf6i18ki4n69ts7y6urwqpr86jxo 4653675 4653674 2026-04-25T22:51:27Z Dieincensor 3613416 Extension 4653675 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] ix4hu1ove7xnxqywj9gwbwxr6sa2uvz 4653676 4653675 2026-04-26T18:21:24Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 /* Gender agreement */ new rule 4653676 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Brackets === Brackets can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' === Organisations === Organisation names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== British English ==== In British English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' ==== American English ==== In American English, collective nouns generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 2d5x2is8b895cjnzwhx4ttoy45pdvof 4653677 4653676 2026-04-26T18:26:52Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 A few more examples and improvements 4653677 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when you're thinking about not even one.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when you're thinking about none of several things.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] ipim2s6rt2ka7h3jpz0we2qap2gwspk 4653678 4653677 2026-04-26T18:30:35Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 Less like a textbook 4653678 wikitext text/x-wiki Widzisz jakieś problemy w tym artykule? {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 33vz4xg1edzivyjrrbo3aipskw6wwn8 4653679 4653678 2026-04-26T18:31:11Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 obviously useless 4653679 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[prepositional phrase]] or an [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not'') or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] ge4u2lp7fvaxv08qwzpjrg997yanasf 4653680 4653679 2026-04-26T18:34:24Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 Words like "with" or "besides" aren't phrases 4653680 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] bdlvdft2f4c2id4tm4qze44d2smuijx 4653681 4653680 2026-04-26T18:35:07Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 /* What/Who questions */ Probably more grammatical 4653681 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realise how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e. it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g. ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g. of countries, movies, restaurants, quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After "a pair of" both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun, or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc. regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g. team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] kxodnrd699l98y6l1bsfuy9vwt6fbb9 4653682 4653681 2026-04-26T18:51:29Z Apprenticeshipacquaintance 3613418 Punctuation, spelling 4653682 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this, that, these, those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another, anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, every, everybody, everyone, everything, less, little, much, neither, no one, nobody, nothing, one, somebody, someone, and something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun, and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] je6ivfrx6k5vp8y9naww6ga484n0x9q 4653683 4653682 2026-05-04T12:09:43Z ~2026-26907-76 3613419 Small improvements 4653683 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Special expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === The number of and A number of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few pounds''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In American English, [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In British English, collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] hhubto5fiudzb7gdrk88ku84bs8uad5 4653684 4653683 2026-05-04T17:26:31Z Temitami 3613420 + the Notional agreement section - partly from the Synesis article 4653684 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === The number of vs A number of and The total of vs A total of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total of'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Other expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] l1lol25fj4qcp9szetgyschkjtab2fj 4653685 4653684 2026-05-04T18:00:05Z Temitami 3613420 Probably more useful introduction 4653685 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for lessons.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === The number of vs A number of and The total of vs A total of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total of'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Other expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] fn47ben3w5728djery7eq6qeeh93kgg 4653686 4653685 2026-05-06T08:23:22Z ~2026-27317-26 3613421 /* Complex nouns */ A better word probably 4653686 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === The number of vs A number of and The total of vs A total of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total of'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Other expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] mkth5jgrh5g0uys7hijxmoet5q56yj4 4653687 4653686 2026-05-19T16:18:22Z Agentbeefs 3613422 /* The number of vs A number of and The total of vs A total of */ The example below doesn't use 'of', just as in the 'synesis' article 4653687 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === The number of vs A number of and The total vs A total of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Other expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * ''''''Sales figures'''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with 'in' and 'out of' === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] oh0ysdvbqtdcgslu1sbu8sc8ji62gpp 4653688 4653687 2026-05-29T00:46:34Z ~2026-31940-08 3613423 /* Other expressions */ Small improvements for consistency 4653688 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/complement–verb agreement == === Subject–verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, and Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both, few, fewer, many, others, and several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all, any, enough, more, most, none, some, and such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === The number of vs A number of and The total vs A total of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Other expressions == === Titles and Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, and Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, and Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === (Either) or, (Neither) nor, Not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] kpv969rgfob5ir5y7cfzfrpf2jzqe9n 4653689 4653688 2026-06-01T14:09:17Z ~2026-32555-14 3613424 4653689 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb Agreement == === Subject–Verb Agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject After The Verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb Agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex Nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying Expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement == === Number Agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender Agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun Agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) Of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, Hundred, Thousand, Million, And Billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional Agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts And Quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups Of People === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite Pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === The Number Of vs A Number Of And The Total vs A Total Of === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Other Expressions == === Titles And Names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who Questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A Pair Of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, Everybody, And Each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More Than One === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, There's, And Where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Every One Of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === Each Of === ''Each of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}} (or, in informal style, a plural verb).{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === None Of === When ''none of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural (more informal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' === Either Of === After ''either of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' === Neither Of === After ''neither of'', English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Any Of === When ''any of'' is followed by a determiner and a plural noun or a plural personal pronoun, the verb may be singular (more formal) or plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' === One Of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === Expressions With "in" And "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === (Either) Or, (Neither) Nor, Not Only (But) Also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] pw3qac1hof3xkq1mcbxzqxy8x0632yz 4653690 4653689 2026-06-16T09:53:24Z ~2026-35272-63 3613425 Better capitalization + combining some similar sections with "of" into one 4653690 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') '''in the English language''' is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Expression with "of" === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''each of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] tagn4buhu91fwf4n0tw29y5wt6pwgmy 4653691 4653690 2026-06-16T15:58:13Z Oklopfer 3613426 /* */ Doesn't need to perfectly match the title, is true for other languages 4653691 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog(s)</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements, they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Expression with "of" === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''each of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] qir1isk3zvgzlinqc9hbzvkldo8i30h 4653692 4653691 2026-07-09T20:04:26Z ~2026-38978-76 3613427 expansion and fixing one source 4653692 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She's</u> got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * ''All the information and advice'' <u>is</u> available on our website. === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names (e.g., of countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) referring to a single thing take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at leasts two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''That she lied''' <u>was</u> obvious.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Expression with "of" === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''each of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 8cret6l1xanzbva13198mhejeybwr0y 4653693 4653692 2026-07-10T19:02:55Z ~2026-39298-17 3613428 Small extension, consistent formatting, changing one example to a better one 4653693 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''he or she''' must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If somebody wants to join, '''they''' must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural in form may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at leasts two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everybody''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Expression with "of" === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''each of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has/have</u> a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 3danvbaxo2ll0afbe334msq606rx9yw 4653694 4653693 2026-07-10T19:22:28Z ~2026-39298-17 3613428 Small extension and improvements 4653694 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>he or she</u> must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>they</u> must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>It/She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural in form may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at leasts two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Any of, none of, either of, and neither of === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is normally followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}. However in informal style a plural verb is sometimes used.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has</u> (or informally: <u>have</u>) a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] rzpdd5pdootgruof2k28gdpo1ynovrv 4653695 4653694 2026-07-10T19:47:40Z ~2026-39268-23 3613430 /* What/Who questions */ a typo 4653695 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>he or she</u> must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>they</u> must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>It/She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups of people === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (e.g., team, club, committee) generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === Organizations === Organization names that are plural in form may take singular or plural verbs and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}} * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is/are</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at least two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Any of, none of, either of, and neither of === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is normally followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}. However in informal style a plural verb is sometimes used.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has</u> (or informally: <u>have</u>) a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] mdtw4d08fqpiawcssibifl5hy0hkjhu 4653696 4653695 2026-07-10T20:21:34Z ~2026-39268-23 3613430 Organizations such as "The United Nations" are also collective nouns, so it makes sense to use one common section 4653696 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>he or she</u> must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>they</u> must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>It/She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (i.e. nouns expressing groups singular in form such as ''committee'', ''team'', ''Sony'' and ''The United Nations''){{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at least two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Any of, none of, either of, and neither of === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is normally followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}. However in informal style a plural verb is sometimes used.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has</u> (or informally: <u>have</u>) a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] gxqw9s5xoi7ddqwikb5ibmczsjqd3dl 4653697 4653696 2026-07-10T21:47:54Z Koavf 16549 153 revisions imported from [[:w:Agreement_in_the_English_language]] 4653696 wikitext text/x-wiki {{Short description|none}} {{English grammar}} {{Use American English|date=November 2025}} {{Textbook|date=November 2025}} {{Cleanup|reason=inappropriate use of text highlighting such as bold and underline|date=April 2026}} '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>he or she</u> must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>they</u> must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>It/She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (i.e. nouns expressing groups singular in form such as ''committee'', ''team'', ''Sony'' and ''The United Nations''){{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at least two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Any of, none of, either of, and neither of === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is normally followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}. However in informal style a plural verb is sometimes used.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has</u> (or informally: <u>have</u>) a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] gxqw9s5xoi7ddqwikb5ibmczsjqd3dl 4653699 4653697 2026-07-10T21:48:29Z Koavf 16549 4653699 wikitext text/x-wiki '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>he or she</u> must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>they</u> must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>It/She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (i.e. nouns expressing groups singular in form such as ''committee'', ''team'', ''Sony'' and ''The United Nations''){{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at least two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Any of, none of, either of, and neither of === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is normally followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}. However in informal style a plural verb is sometimes used.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has</u> (or informally: <u>have</u>) a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 4em4dgnx71l0mbywofqg1o1bfle1gkf 4653700 4653699 2026-07-10T21:48:45Z Koavf 16549 Koavf moved page [[Transwiki:Agreement in the English language]] to [[English in Use/Agreement]] without leaving a redirect 4653699 wikitext text/x-wiki '''Agreement''' (also called '''concord''') is the way a word (marked with an <u>underline</u> in this article) has the form appropriate to the person, number, or gender of the [[noun]] or [[English personal pronouns|pronoun]] (written here in '''bold''').<ref>{{cite web |title=Definition of 'agreement' |publisher=Collins Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> For example, the sentences "''It exists.''" and "''They exist.''" are grammatically correct, while "''It exist.''" or "''They exists.''" are grammatically incorrect. [[English grammar]] requires that the verb and its subject agree in person: the pronoun ''it'' and the verb ''exists'' are singular, whereas the pronoun ''they'' and the verb ''exist'' are plural. == Subject/Complement–Verb agreement == === Subject–Verb agreement === In general, a verb's number is matched to its [[subject (grammar)|subject]] (which normally precedes the verb).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} A singular subject takes a singular verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook">{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/grammar/subjectVerbAgree.asp |title=Subject–Verb Agreement |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The zoo's main attraction''' <u>is</u> the elephants.'' A plural subject takes a plural verb.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=36, 42, 49, 51}}<ref name="grammarbook" /> * '''''Elephants''' <u>are</u> the zoo's main attraction.'' ==== Subject after the verb ==== {{Main|Subject–verb inversion in English}} The subject follows the verb in a range of constructions, including certain formal, literary, or emphatic structures as well as using ''here'' and ''there'' at the beginning of a sentence.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":41">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/here-and-there |title=Here and there |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=57-58}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=400-402}} * ''Look, here <u>comes</u> '''your boyfriend'''!'' * ''Little <u>does</u> '''he''' realize how much he means to us.'' * ''The new policy is beneficial to the environment, as <u>are</u> '''the prior regulations'''.'' === Complement–Verb agreement === When the subject is far from the verb, the verb is sometimes matched to the complement.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The main problem with the new policy''', along with several unexpected complications, <u>are/is</u> '''the unclear rules and guidelines'''.'' This often occurs when the subject is a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]] introduced by ''what'', especially if the complement is long.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequence''' of this decision.'' If the complement is plural, the verb can be plural (more formal) or singular.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * ''What we need to consider <u>are</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' (more formally) * ''What we need to consider <u>is</u> '''the potential consequences''' of this decision.'' === Parentheses === Parentheses can always be removed, so they don't affect the agreement.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref>{{cite web |title=How to use parenthesis: brackets, dashes and commas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zhpt7yc |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Parentheses vs. Brackets: Definitions and Examples |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://www.grammarly.com/blog/punctuation-capitalization/parentheses-and-brackets |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Einsohn|p=348}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}} * '''''Our laptop computer''' (and its accessories) <u>comes</u> with a two-year warranty.'' === Complex nouns === When a noun is complex, i.e., it contains a [[preposition]], [[prepositional phrase]], [[adverb]], [[adverbial phrase]] (e.g., ''with'', ''in addition to'', ''along with'', ''as well (as)'', ''together with'', ''besides'', or ''not''), or a [[English relative clauses|relative clause]], the verb usually agrees with the head noun or pronoun.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/subject_verb_agreement.html |title=Making Subjects and Verbs Agree |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The engine''' of the car <u>needs</u> to be repaired.'' * '''''The man''' who lives next door <u>is</u> very outgoing.'' * '''''The computer''' as well as the printer <u>is</u> malfunctioning.'' * '''''The teachers''' in my school <u>are</u> notoriously unprepared for classes.'' ==== Quantifying expressions ==== However, with quantifying expressions (phrases expressing parts), percentages, and fractions, the verb agrees with the noun or pronoun following ''of''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25" /><ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/fraction |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * ''Half of '''the team members''' <u>are</u> working remotely today.'' * ''Less than 2% of '''water''' in the world <u>is</u> drinkable.'' * ''Only a handful of '''students''' <u>were</u> on time for the class.'' == Pronoun-Antecedent agreement == === Number agreement === A singular pronoun is used for a singular noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computer''' is on the desk, and <u>it</u> is not working properly.'' A plural pronoun is used for a plural noun.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''The computers''' are on the desk, and <u>they</u> are not working properly.'' === Gender agreement === Pronouns are also matched for gender. ''He'' or ''she'' and ''who'' are normally used for people.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=106}} * '''''My uncle''' is a doctor. <u>He</u> works in the city hospital.'' When referring back to indefinite pronouns such as ''somebody'', ''someone'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''everybody'', and ''everyone'', the phrase ''he or she'' is used.<ref name="MW-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref><ref name="Oxford-they">{{cite web |title=they |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/they |access-date=26 April 2026}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>he or she</u> must register online.'' Nowadays, it is also generally considered correct to use the word ''they''.<ref name="MW-they" /><ref name="Oxford-they" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=264}} * ''If '''someone''' wants to join, <u>they</u> must register online.'' ''It'' and ''which'' are normally used for things or animals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''I saw '''a cat'''. <u>It</u> was sleeping on the sofa.'' When animals are thought of as having personality, intelligence, or feelings, ''he'' or ''she'' may sometimes be used; this is common with pets.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''This is '''Bella''', a friendly golden retriever. <u>She</u> enjoys playing fetch with her owner.'' In such cases, ''who'' is used instead of ''which''.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}} * ''Meet '''Luna''', a playful cat <u>who</u> loves to chase toys.'' Sometimes ''she'' is used for cars and motorcycles as well as countries, though ''it'' is more common in modern usage.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/she}}</ref><ref name="she-longman">{{cite web |title=she |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/she}}</ref> * ''I love '''my car'''. <u>It/She</u> never lets me down.'' * '''''Italy''' is famous for <u>its/her</u> cuisine.'' Sailors often refer to ships and boats as ''she'', but it's less common than it used to be.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=513}}<ref name="she-cambridge" /><ref name="she-longman" /> * ''This is '''my ship'''. <u>She</u>'s got a long history of cruising.'' == Determiner–Noun agreement == Some determiners are used only with certain kinds of nouns. For example, ''this'' and ''that'' change to ''these'' and ''those'' when the following noun is plural.{{sfn|Swan|2016}} * <u>this</u> '''cat''' — <u>these</u> '''cats''' * <u>that</u> '''cat''' — <u>those</u> '''cats''' The table below shows which determiners and determiner phrases combine with which kinds of nouns: {| class="wikitable" !Determiner !Countable singular nouns (e.g. notebook, week) !Uncountable nouns (e.g. luggage, music) !Countable plural nouns (e.g. notebooks, weeks) |- |a / an / each{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239}}<ref name=":39">{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=each |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / many a/an<ref>{{cite web |title=many |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/many |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=many a/an |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/many%20a%2Fan |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / one / either{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref name=":29">{{cite web |title=either |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / neither{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}<ref name=":30">{{cite web |title=neither |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> |{{yes}} |{{no}} |{{no}} |- |many / quite a few / a good few / a good many / not a few / a number of / few / fewer<ref name=":23">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/less-or-fewer |title=Less or fewer? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/less |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / fewest / a few / several<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/grammar/online-grammar/quantifiers-both-several-most-and-all |title=both, several, most, all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / these / those / zero, two, three, etc. / umpteen |{{no}} |{{no}} |{{yes}} |- |much / little / a little |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |this / that |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{no}} |- |quantity of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/amount-of-number-of-or-quantity-of |title=Amount of, number of or quantity of? |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}} / enough / a lot of / lots of |{{no}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |- |amount of<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/amount_1 |title=amount |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> / a good deal of<ref name=":26">{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/a-great-good-deal |title=a great/good deal |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=348}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / a great deal of<ref name=":26" />{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=361}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=257}} / less<ref name=":23" /><ref name=":24" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/less_1 |title=less |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42" /> / least |{{no}} |{{yes}} |style="text-align:center;"|Questionable |- |all<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/all_1 |title=all |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=235}} / some / any |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |{{yes}} |} === Every === ''Every'' is followed by a singular noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref name=":43">{{cite web |title=every |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/every |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Every''' <u>episode</u> of the series <u>presents</u> a new story.'' ''Every'' is used with a plural noun when it refers to intervals.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":43" /> * ''A train leaves the station <u>every</u> '''three hours'''.'' === No === The word ''no'' is followed by a singular noun when referring to the absence of even a single item.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv354.shtml |title=no = not / not any |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''He has '''no''' <u>passport</u>.'' The word ''no'' is followed by a plural noun when referring to the absence of multiple items.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=92}}<ref name=":47" /> * ''He has '''no''' <u>socks</u>.'' Often both are possible though it's more formal to use a singular noun.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=98}}<ref name=":47" /> * '''''No''' <u>dog</u> allowed!'' (more formally) * '''''No''' <u>dogs</u> allowed!'' === Kind(s)/Sort(s)/Type(s) of === After ''kind/sort/type of'', a singular noun is usually used.<ref>{{cite web |title=kinds / types / sorts / varieties (of music) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv310.shtml |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36">{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/kind_1 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=kind |url=https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kind |website=The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''book''' do you usually read?'' It's also possible to use ''kind/sort/type of'' with a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''What <u>sort of</u> '''books''' do you usually read?'' The phrases ''kinds/sorts/types of'' can also be used with either a singular or a plural noun.{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''We studied <u>many sorts of</u> '''political system(s)'''.'' Certain structures with ''this'', ''that'', ''these'', and ''those'' occur, but they are considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}}<ref name=":36" /> * ''<u>This kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (this/that + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kind of</u> '''problems''' is difficult.'' (these/those + kind/sort/type of + plural noun) * ''<u>These kinds of</u> '''problem''' are difficult.'' (these/those + kinds/sorts/types of + singular noun) In formal style, a plural verb followed by ''of this/that kind/sort/type'' is also possible.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=684–685}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=281,282,485,539}} * '''''Problems''' <u>of this kind</u> are difficult.'' === Dozen, hundred, thousand, million, and billion === The words ''dozen'', ''hundred'', ''thousand'', ''million'', and ''billion'' are used without the -s ending when they follow a number.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=505}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=hundred |title=Definition of 'hundred'; Collins English Dictionary |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=hundred |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/hundred |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=302}}{{sfn|Uk|2019|p=727}} * ''The population of South Korea grew to almost <u>52</u> '''million''' and then began to decline.'' * ''I have <u>two</u> '''hundred''' dollars on me.'' === Fractions === Fractions between 1 and 2 are used with plural nouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}} * ''The meeting lasted around <u>1.25</u> '''hours'''.'' == Notional agreement == {{Main|Synesis}} '''Notional agreement''' (also called '''notional concord''' or '''synesis''') is a type of agreement that stems from the meaning. It is more commonly used in [[British English]] than in [[American English]].<ref>{{cite web |title=On Notional Agreement, the Majority Speak |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/notional-agreement-subject-verb-principle-proximity}}</ref> === And === Expressions joined by ''and'' generally take a plural verb.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''A cat and a dog''' <u>are</u> playing in the garden.'' If the nouns, however, suggest one idea or refer to the same thing or person, the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''The new [[bed and breakfast]]''' <u>opens</u> this week.'' * '''''The singer and songwriter''' <u>is</u> performing tonight.'' When expressions joined by ''and'' follow ''each'' or ''every'', the verb is singular.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * '''''Each teacher and student''' <u>has</u> completed the survey.'' The verb is also singular when uncountable nouns joined by ''and'' follow ''all''.{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}} * '''''All the information and advice''' <u>is</u> available on our website.'' === Amounts and quantities === Expressions of distance, sums of money, periods of time, etc., regarded as one unit, take singular determiners, verbs, and pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=158}}<ref name=":37">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-21/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 2 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=84}} * '''''Five minutes''' <u>is</u> all I need.'' * '''''Fifty dollars''' <u>is</u> a fair price.'' * '''''Two liters''' of water <u>is</u> required for the experiment.'' However, when these expressions are deemed separate individual units, they are plural.<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":37" /> * '''''A few dollars''' <u>were</u> missing from the victim's wallet.'' === Calculations === When speaking calculations, both singular and plural verbs are possible depending on the phrasing.<ref name=":37" />{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=507}} * '''''Three and three''' <u>is/are</u> six.'' * '''''Three plus three''' <u>is</u> six.'' === Groups === ==== American English ==== In [[American English]], [[collective noun]]s (i.e. nouns expressing groups singular in form such as ''committee'', ''team'', ''Sony'' and ''The United Nations''){{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}}{{sfn|Carter|McCarthy|2006|p=351}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} generally take singular verbs{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}}<ref>{{cite web |title=family |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/family |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> and either singular or plural pronouns.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The committee''' <u>was</u> arguing among <u>itself/themselves</u> during the session.'' * '''''My family''' <u>is</u> all coming over for Thanksgiving.'' * '''''The United Nations''' <u>is</u> holding a conference next month. <u>It/They</u> <u>has/have</u> invited delegates from all over the world to attend.'' ==== British English ==== In [[British English]], collective nouns may take either singular or plural verb and pronouns forms.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=301}} Singular forms are used when the emphasis is on the group as a whole.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>has</u> postponed <u>its</u> meeting until next week.'' In these cases ''which'' is also used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>which</u> was formed in the 1980s, gained international fame.'' Plural forms are used when the emphasis is on the individual members.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}} * '''''The committee''' <u>were</u> arguing among <u>themselves</u> during the session.'' In those cases ''who'' is often used as the relative pronoun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=203}} * '''''The band''', <u>who</u> have been performing together for decades, released a new album.'' === Indefinite pronouns === As subjects, ''another'', ''anybody'', ''anyone'', ''anything'', ''each'', ''either'', ''every'', ''everybody'', ''everyone'', ''everything'', ''less'', ''little'', ''much'', ''neither'', ''no one'', ''nobody'', ''nothing'', ''one'', ''somebody'', ''someone'', and ''something'' take singular verbs.{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=170, 180}} * '''''Everybody''' <u>is</u> a genius.'' The pronouns ''both'', ''few'', ''fewer'', ''many'', ''others'', and ''several'' take plural verbs. * '''''Few''' <u>know</u> the full story.'' The pronouns ''all'', ''any'', ''enough'', ''more'', ''most'', ''none'', ''some'', and ''such'' take a singular verb when they refer to an uncountable noun or a plural verb when they refer to a plural noun.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/no-none-and-none-of |title=No, none and none of |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="grammarbook" /> * ''I found '''the equipment''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>is</u> useful.'' * ''I found '''the tools''' in the garage, but it turned out that '''none''' <u>are</u> useful.'' === "the number of" vs "a number of" and "the total" vs "a total of" === The literal phrase ''the number of'' takes a singular verb, whereas the fixed phrase ''a number of'' is treated as plural.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/number |title=number |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Straus |first=Jane |url=https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/numbers/the-number-vs-a-number |title=The Number vs. A Number |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/verb-agreement-with-number |title=Verb agreement with "number" |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The number of''' cars on the roads <u>has</u> decreased.'' * '''''A number of''' people <u>have</u> complained about the noise.'' The same is true for ''the total'' and ''a total of''.<ref>{{Citation |last=Iverson |first=Cheryl, et al. (eds) |title=AMA Manual of Style |edition=10th |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |location=Oxford, Oxfordshire |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-517633-9 |url=https://archive.org/details/amamanualofstyle0000unse |section=7.8.11 Number |url-access=registration }}</ref> * '''''The total''' <u>was</u> growing.'' * '''''A total of''' 28 volunteers <u>have</u> submitted applications.'' == Special cases == === Titles and names === Titles and names plural in form and referring to a single thing (e.g. countries, movies, restaurants, and quotations) take singular verbs.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=192}}{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * '''''The Netherlands''' <u>is</u> famous for <u>its</u> fields of tulips.'' * '' '''''The Avengers''''' <u>has</u> been a huge box-office success.'' * '''''The New York Times''' <u>is</u> an American newspaper.'' * '''''"Sales figures"''' <u>is</u> the phrase used in the report title.'' ==== the United States ==== Usually ''the United States'' is used with a singular verb just like other countries. However, it's possible to use it with a plural noun though it's not common.<ref>{{cite web |title=fraction |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-united-states-of-america |access-date=10 July 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''The United States''' <u>is</u> (or rarely: <u>are</u>) the country with the largest number of English native speakers.'' === What/Who questions === In questions, ''what'' and ''who'' are followed by a singular verb when they are used as subject.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>lives</u> in that house?'' However, when they are used as complements (this happens often after [[linking verb]]s), they are followed by either a plural or singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''Who''' <u>is</u> the person living in that house?'' * '''''Who''' <u>are</u> the people living in that house?'' Both versions are also possible in echo questions if the subject is plural or consists of at least two nouns with "and".{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=52}} * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who are</u> coming tomorrow?'' * '''''John and Mary''' are coming tomorrow. – <u>Who's</u> coming tomorrow?'' === A pair of === After ''a pair of,'' both singular and plural verbs can be used.<ref>{{cite web |title=pair |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/pair_1 |access-date=5 April 2026}}</ref> * '''''A pair of glasses''' <u>is/are</u> on the bench.'' === Clauses === Singular verbs are used with clauses used as subjects.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=80}}{{sfn|Eastwood|1994|p=193}} * '''''What she said''' <u>was</u> suspicious.'' * '''''For all of us to get enough sleep''' <u>is</u> crucial.'' * '''''To err''' <u>is</u> human.'' * '''''Where they went''' <u>remains</u> unknown.'' ==== Everyone, everybody, and each ==== When pronouns refer back to ''everyone'', ''everybody'', and ''each'' they may be singular (more formal) or plural (less formal).{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=238}}<ref name=":39" /> * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>his or her</u> actions.'' * '''''Everyone''' is responsible for <u>their</u> actions.'' ==== Each ==== When ''each'' refers to the subject and is in mid-position, plural nouns, pronouns, and verbs are used.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=240}}<ref name=":39" /> * ''<u>The students</u> '''each''' <u>have</u> <u>their</u> own locker.'' === More than one === The expression ''more than one'' uses a singular noun and verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''More than one''' <u>factor</u> <u>contributes</u> to climate change.'' === Here's, there's, and where's === In informal style, ''here's, there's, and where's'' are often used with plural nouns (instead of ''here are, there are, where are''); sometimes this is considered incorrect.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=207}}<ref name="grammarbook" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''<u>Where are</u> (or questionable: <u>Where's</u>) '''my keys'''?'' === Any of, none of, either of, and neither of === After ''any of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=246}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''none of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=249}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=172}}{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}, ''either of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=242}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/either_1 |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/either |title=either |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, and ''neither of''{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=243}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=178}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/neither_1 |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":30" />{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/neither |title=neither |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>, English uses a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and optionally a singular verb in formal style or a plural verb in informal style. * '''''Any of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> allowed to retake the test.'' * '''''None of''' <u>the students</u> <u>is/are</u> ready for the exam.'' * '''''Either of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> welcome to join us.'' * '''''Neither of''' <u>them</u> <u>is/are</u> ready yet.'' === Each of === ''Each of'' is normally followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=239-240}}. However in informal style a plural verb is sometimes used.{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/each |title=Each |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * '''''Each of''' <u>the books</u> <u>has</u> (or informally: <u>have</u>) a different cover design.'' === Expressions with "in" and "out of" === After number followed by ''in'' or ''out of'', English uses a number with a plural noun and either a singular or plural verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=503}} * ''Almost '''nine in ten students''' <u>hate(s)</u> math.'' * ''Over '''six out of ten young men''' <u>feel(s)</u> lonely regularly.'' === Every one of === ''Every one of'' is followed by a plural personal pronoun or a plural determiner and noun and a singular verb.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=237}} * '''''Every one of''' <u>her arguments</u> <u>is</u> wrong.'' === One of === The expression ''one of'' is usually followed by a plural noun.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * ''<u>One of</u> '''the apples''' is rotten.'' Sometimes ''one of'' is used with a singular noun referring to a group.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=661}} * ''Why don't you invite <u>one of</u> '''the team''' for lunch?'' The verb after the noun is singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=204}} * '''''One of my co-workers''' <u>is</u> from Seoul.'' After ''one of'' in the relative clauses, both plural and singular verbs are used; the plural form is generally considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=205}} * ''He's '''one of the professors''' who <u>teach</u> quantum physics.'' === The === The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to well-known groups of people in a particular physical or social condition.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=65}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40">{{cite web |title=Subject-Verb Agreement 1 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-20/tab/grammar |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref> * ''Do '''the disabled''' <u>have</u> special facilities?'' In certain fixed, formal expressions, the phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective may be singular.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}} * '''''The deceased''' <u>has</u> not yet been formally identified.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is singular when it refers to general abstract ideas.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=280}} * '''''The unknown''' <u>is</u> often scarier than the known.'' The phrase consisting of ''the'' and an adjective is plural when referring to people from a specific country.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=279}}{{sfn|Murphy|2019|p=152}}<ref name=":40" /> * '''''The Japanese''' <u>value</u> punctuality highly.'' === (Either) or, (neither) nor, not only (but) also === The verb should agree with the expression in these structures closest to it ('''the rule of proximity'''). Other forms of agreement occur, but they are not considered correct.{{sfn|Swan|2016|p=206}}{{sfn|ELT|COBUILD|2017|p=799}}<ref name="grammarbook" /><ref name=":25">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/towards-advanced/unit-22/tab/grammar |title=Subject–Verb Agreement 3 |access-date=5 April 2026 |language=en}}</ref>{{sfn|Hewings|2023|p=82}} * ''Either my teacher or '''I''' <u>am</u> wrong.'' * ''<u>Are</u> neither '''the employees''' nor the manager aware of the change?'' == References == {{reflist}} == Bibliography == === Books === * {{cite book |last=Swan |first=Michael |title=Practical English Usage |edition=4th |year=2016 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-420243-5}} * {{cite book |last=Hewings |first=Martin |title=Advanced Grammar in Use: Book with Answers and eBook and Online Test |edition=4th |year=2023 |publisher=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |location=Oxford |isbn=9781108920216}} * {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Raymond |title=English Grammar in Use |edition=5th |year=2019 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}} * {{cite book |last=Eastwood |first=John |title=Oxford Guide to English Grammar |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1994}} * {{cite book |last1=Carter |first1=Ronald |last2=McCarthy |first2=Michael |title=Cambridge Grammar of English: A Comprehensive Guide |year=2006}} * {{cite book |last1=ELT |first1=Collins |last2=COBUILD |first2=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - COBUILD English Grammar |publisher=Collins Cobuild |date=2017-03-23 |isbn=978-0-00-813581-2}} * {{cite book |last=Uk |first=Collins |title=Collins COBUILD Grammar - English Usage: B1-C2 |date=2019 |isbn=978-0-00-835640-8 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |edition=Fourth}} * {{cite book |last=Einsohn |first=Amy |title=The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications |edition=Fourth}} [[Category:English grammar]] 4em4dgnx71l0mbywofqg1o1bfle1gkf User talk:Earthinators 3 484773 4653713 2026-07-10T23:21:38Z Omphalographer 3427146 /* Earthinators */ new section 4653713 wikitext text/x-wiki ==[[:Earthinators]]== {{tmbox|type=delete|text='''Earthinators, please [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion#Earthinators|share your thoughts]] about whether to [[WB:WIW|keep]] or [[WB:DP|delete]] "[[:Earthinators|Earthinators]]".'''<br />You are being notified because you have contributed to this work. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 23:21, 10 July 2026 (UTC)}} ss1p7x5qx45s21667gdja1hx97sgk3o 4653962 4653713 2026-07-11T06:13:56Z Earthinators 3613386 /* Earthinators */ Reply 4653962 wikitext text/x-wiki ==[[:Earthinators]]== {{tmbox|type=delete|text='''Earthinators, please [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion#Earthinators|share your thoughts]] about whether to [[WB:WIW|keep]] or [[WB:DP|delete]] "[[:Earthinators|Earthinators]]".'''<br />You are being notified because you have contributed to this work. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 23:21, 10 July 2026 (UTC)}} :* '''Keep''' – I acknowledge the book in its current state reads too much like a movement page. I am restructuring it into a neutral, instructional textbook titled “A Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Monitoring and Climate Resilience”, using Earthinators as a case study. I will add learning objectives, hands‑on exercises, and remove any language, that creates confusion. The book will teach transferable skills such as using open data, reporting environmental issues, and setting up a community monitoring project. I am committed to meeting Wikibooks’ textbook criteria. [[User:Earthinators|Earthinators]] ([[User talk:Earthinators|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Earthinators|contribs]]) 06:13, 11 July 2026 (UTC) camonnhs6npn3mjampws3ho924cmk4q 4653966 4653962 2026-07-11T07:34:31Z Earthinators 3613386 /* Earthinators */ Reply 4653966 wikitext text/x-wiki ==[[:Earthinators]]== {{tmbox|type=delete|text='''Earthinators, please [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion#Earthinators|share your thoughts]] about whether to [[WB:WIW|keep]] or [[WB:DP|delete]] "[[:Earthinators|Earthinators]]".'''<br />You are being notified because you have contributed to this work. [[User:Omphalographer|Omphalographer]] ([[User talk:Omphalographer|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Omphalographer|contribs]]) 23:21, 10 July 2026 (UTC)}} :* '''Keep''' – I acknowledge the book in its current state reads too much like a movement page. I am restructuring it into a neutral, instructional textbook titled “A Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Monitoring and Climate Resilience”, using Earthinators as a case study. I will add learning objectives, hands‑on exercises, and remove any language, that creates confusion. The book will teach transferable skills such as using open data, reporting environmental issues, and setting up a community monitoring project. I am committed to meeting Wikibooks’ textbook criteria. [[User:Earthinators|Earthinators]] ([[User talk:Earthinators|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Earthinators|contribs]]) 06:13, 11 July 2026 (UTC) :Update: The neutral textbook rewrite is now posted on Talk:Earthinators and ready for an admin to paste. [[User:Earthinators|Earthinators]] ([[User talk:Earthinators|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Earthinators|contribs]]) 07:34, 11 July 2026 (UTC) 493fmm0x9u8p769sff4eld0nvkwowdz Talk:Earthinators 1 484774 4653965 2026-07-11T07:32:04Z Earthinators 3613386 Requesting help 4653965 wikitext text/x-wiki Request to update main page (edit filter blocking me) I am trying to replace the main page of the Earthinators book with a neutral textbook version. The edit filter keeps blocking my edits. Below is the complete new page content, written as a textbook. Could an administrator please copy this and replace the current page? Thank you. ---- NEW TEXTBOOK CONTENT ---- = Environmental Monitoring and Community Action: A Citizen's Guide = ''Learn how to observe, report, and respond to environmental problems in your community using open‑source tools and citizen science methods. Earthinators is used as a real‑world example.'' == What You Will Learn == After completing this book, you will be able to: * Identify and document environmental issues in your local area. * Use free, public platforms to share observations and access global data. * Apply a simple three‑step process: observe, share, and act. * Start or join a community environmental monitoring group. == Table of Contents == 1. Chapter 1: Why Citizen Science Matters 2. Chapter 2: Observing Your Environment – A Practical Guide 3. Chapter 3: Reporting and Sharing Data – Tools and Platforms 4. Chapter 4: From Data to Action – Small Steps, Big Impact 5. Chapter 5: Building a Local Environmental Group 6. Chapter 6: Case Study – The Earthinators Network in Practice == Who Is This Book For? == This book is for students, teachers, activists, and anyone who wants to turn concern into action. No prior knowledge is required. == How This Book Is Structured == Each chapter includes: * Clear learning objectives * Step‑by‑step instructions * A practical exercise you can complete in your own neighbourhood == A Note on Neutrality == This book does not promote any single organization or viewpoint. The Earthinators network is presented as an illustrative example of citizen science in action. [[Category:Environmental education]] [[Category:Citizen science]] [[Category:Community action]] ---- END OF TEXTBOOK CONTENT ---- [[User:Earthinators|Earthinators]] ([[User talk:Earthinators|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Earthinators|contribs]]) 07:31, 11 July 2026 (UTC) k2wvavgnt2xn5zqbch4zrfuvuittwf3 Wikibooks:Requests for import/Archives/2026/March 4 484775 4653968 2026-07-11T08:10:17Z ArchiverBot 1227662 Bot: Archiving 1 thread from [[Wikibooks:Requests for import]] 4653968 wikitext text/x-wiki {{talk archive}} == Import request: Investiture of the Gods == Hello, coming from ENWS. There is currently at [[s:Portal:Investiture of the Gods]] a page which we think would rather find a home here (at any rate isn't at home in WS). It's a reading guide for a Chinese classic. It lived at [[Investiture of the Gods]] for four years, then was transwikied to Wikisource portal space through [[Wikibooks:Requests for deletion/Investiture of the Gods]] in 2011. (WS portal space was not, or at any rate currently is not, a place made for such texts.) I refer you to that discussion and to [[s:Wikisource:Proposed deletions#Portal:Investiture of the Gods]] on the question of whether it really is just a translation or a reading guide and so on. As far as I understand it's in scope for WB. — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 10:57, 25 February 2026 (UTC) :Ping @[[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] as one of the people who take care of this page (from a peek at history). — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 19:00, 14 March 2026 (UTC) ::Hi, would it be okay if I import all pages from that source text on Wikisource? [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 19:47, 14 March 2026 (UTC) :::Import it if you think it's fit for WB, yes. It's not really a source text but more of some sort of commentary AFAIK, but I don't really mind. I am here just to give you all a tip in case you want it, as we're going to delete it on WS's side. — [[User:Alien333|Alien]] [[User talk:Alien333|<b style="display:inline-block;line-height:100%;font-size:60%;background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#007,#077,#070);background-clip:text;color:transparent">&ensp;3<br/>3 3</b>]] 20:22, 14 March 2026 (UTC) ::::Pinging @[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] and @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]] for additional input on this matter. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 03:08, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::I agree that from my perspective, it's acceptable here. KittyC is more engaged here than me, so I'll defer to her. If she thinks it's not a good fit, ping me and I'll import to Wikiversity. Thanks. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 06:52, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::@[[User:Koavf|Koavf]]@[[User:Codename Noreste|Codename Noreste]] Thank you for checking! I actually don't think this is suitable for WB as an annotated text. [[WB:AT]] defines annotated texts as follows: ::::::{{tq|"...An annotated text contains two elements: <br>A copy of a published original primary source text or other established narrative, academic or literary media, available under a Wikibooks-compatible license.<br>Various kinds of study aids for understanding or teaching the text. These annotations may include introductions, explanatory notes, summaries, translations, questions and answers, charts, lists, indices, references, wikilinks, media, etc.<br>In an annotated text the annotations are interwoven with the primary source text in order to make the book more reader-friendly..."}} :::::This text does not contain the original source material—it's a plot synopsis. It also doesn't have significant study aids. :::::As for whether the text belongs at WB but not as an annotated text, I don't personally think that a plot synopsis makes for an instructional text. As such, I don't personally think it has a home here. Cheers —[[User:Kittycataclysm|Kittycataclysm]] ([[User talk:Kittycataclysm|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Kittycataclysm|contribs]]) 14:16, 16 March 2026 (UTC) ::::::Pinging @[[User:Koavf|Koavf]] again to the response above. [[User:Codename Noreste|<span style="color:#0024FF">Codename Noreste</span>]] ([[User talk:Codename Noreste|discuss]] • [[Special:Contributions/Codename Noreste|contribs]]) 14:57, 16 March 2026 (UTC) :::::::Cool. I'll add it to en.wv. —[[User:Koavf|Justin (<span style="color:grey">ko'''a'''vf</span>)]]<span style="color:red">❤[[User talk:Koavf|T]]☮[[Special:Contributions/Koavf|C]]☺[[Special:Emailuser/Koavf|M]]☯</span> 02:02, 17 March 2026 (UTC) do85idkvryqrl4k3yqqyf7j1l2rn9mg Taiwan history/Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan 0 484776 4653981 2026-07-11T11:53:44Z 一隻北極熊 3609960 Created page with "Japan's influence on Taiwan's infrastructure stems from its 1895–1945 colonial rule, which laid the foundational framework for the island's modernization, including railways, ports, and urban planning.During its 50-year rule, imperial Japan sought to transform Taiwan into a "model colony" to support its own economy. ==Railway== The Japanese colonial government completed the North-South Trunk Line in 1908, connecting Keelung to Kaohsiung. This drastically cut travel t..." 4653981 wikitext text/x-wiki Japan's influence on Taiwan's infrastructure stems from its 1895–1945 colonial rule, which laid the foundational framework for the island's modernization, including railways, ports, and urban planning.During its 50-year rule, imperial Japan sought to transform Taiwan into a "model colony" to support its own economy. ==Railway== The Japanese colonial government completed the North-South Trunk Line in 1908, connecting Keelung to Kaohsiung. This drastically cut travel times and remains the backbone of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). ==Ports== The Japanese colonial government built major port such as the Keelung port and Kaohsiung port. [[file:世界最美總統府.jpg|thumb|Presidential Office Building (formerly the Governor-General’s Office)]] ==Architecture== Prominent structures like the Presidential Office Building (formerly the Governor-General’s Office) and the National Taiwan University Hospital showcase this lasting European-Japanese architectural footprint. 2t9zgvonqbtdmyq0hbn0njzsmo96reo 4653983 4653981 2026-07-11T11:55:54Z 一隻北極熊 3609960 一隻北極熊 moved page [[Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan]] to [[Taiwan history/Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan]]: Misspelled title 4653981 wikitext text/x-wiki Japan's influence on Taiwan's infrastructure stems from its 1895–1945 colonial rule, which laid the foundational framework for the island's modernization, including railways, ports, and urban planning.During its 50-year rule, imperial Japan sought to transform Taiwan into a "model colony" to support its own economy. ==Railway== The Japanese colonial government completed the North-South Trunk Line in 1908, connecting Keelung to Kaohsiung. This drastically cut travel times and remains the backbone of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). ==Ports== The Japanese colonial government built major port such as the Keelung port and Kaohsiung port. [[file:世界最美總統府.jpg|thumb|Presidential Office Building (formerly the Governor-General’s Office)]] ==Architecture== Prominent structures like the Presidential Office Building (formerly the Governor-General’s Office) and the National Taiwan University Hospital showcase this lasting European-Japanese architectural footprint. 2t9zgvonqbtdmyq0hbn0njzsmo96reo Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan 0 484777 4653984 2026-07-11T11:55:54Z 一隻北極熊 3609960 一隻北極熊 moved page [[Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan]] to [[Taiwan history/Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan]]: Misspelled title 4653984 wikitext text/x-wiki #REDIRECT [[Taiwan history/Modernized infrastructure in Taiwan]] conmamw7ojz3sbv7323zq3owqtesomr